The latest matchup in our quest to crown the greatest All-EuroLeague First Team of all time pits 2016 against 2023!

Vote for the best All-EuroLeague First Team in history: 2016 vs. 2023

Each season, the top five players in Europe’s premier basketball competition are recognized with All-EuroLeague First Team honors. Over the past quarter century, these elite selections have showcased a who’s who of basketball legends, from rising stars to Hall of Famers and everything in between.

This summer, we're putting them all head-to-head to answer one big question: Which All-EuroLeague First Team stands above the rest?

We’ve seeded all 24 teams into a bracket created by our panel of in-house EuroLeague experts. Several times a week, we’ll reveal a new matchup on the official **EuroLeague Instagram account**, where you can vote for your favorite.

Right here on the official EuroLeague website, you’ll find a quick breakdown of each matchup – and which team we think deserves the edge. This time it's 2017 vs. 2021.

Let the debates begin. Let the voting begin. Let the best team win!

2017

- [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/), Real Madrid (age 29)
- [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/), CSKA Moscow (age 29)
- [Bogdan Bogdanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bogdan-bogdanovic/002821/), Fenerbahce (age 24)
- [Georgios Printezis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/georgios-printezis/amm/), Olympiacos (age 32)
- [Ekpe Udoh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ekpe-udoh/006503/), Fenerbahce (age 30)

2021

- [Kevin Pangos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kevin-pangos/006433/), Zenit (age 28)
- [Vasilije Micic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vasilije-micic/002580/), Efes (age 27)
- [Vladimir Lucic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vladimir-lucic/profile/001288/), Bayern (age 31)
- [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), Barcelona (age 30)
- [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/), Gran Canaria (age 29)

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMYGzeTNrej/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMYGzeTNrej/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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Once again, we have an incredible close call in this matchup, though the makeup of these teams is quite different. Let's start with 2017. Pairing prime Llull and De Colo makes for a tough to start backcourt with two players who can handle the ball, penetrate and score. This team gives up some size with Bogdanovic at the '3', though he is a lights-out shooter.  This version of Printezis remains a great outside shooter and hustle player and Ekpe Udoh is a dominant rebounder and rim protector.

For 2021, Pangos is a classic playmaker eager to put those around him in the best spots to score, while Vasilije Micic is an MVP who plays best next to another point guard who can shoot, like he did all those years alongside Shane Larkin. Lucic is the prototypical do-it-all 3-man. The frontcourt features Mirotic, whose scoring and rebounding made him one of the best power forwards of his generation and Tavares anchors the frontcourt.

 The only head-to-head matchup I see with a clear winner is at power forward, where Mirotic has the edge over Printezis. At small forward, Bogdanovic and Lucic are very different players with the former having the advantage for scoring, while Lucic does many things to help his team. Both teams have top-tier rim protectors, which is critical as the backcourts were not know for their defense.  All in all, the 2021 team has a little more in the basketball IQ bucket and – given the absolute talent on these two teams – that give it my vote… Who do you like?

The latest matchup in our quest to crown the greatest All-EuroLeague First Team of all time pits 2017 against 2021!

Vote for the best All-EuroLeague First Team in history: 2017 vs. 2021

After more than a decade at the highest levels of international basketball, veteran swingman Alex Abrines has announced his retirement from professional basketball

Alex Abrines retires after a decorated career

After more than a decade at the highest levels of international basketball, veteran swingman [Alex Abrines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alex-abrines/003478/) has announced his retirement from professional basketball. The 31-year-old Spaniard shared an emotional message on social media, marking the end of a career that took him from his native Mallorca to the NBA and back to the pinnacle of European hoops with FC Barcelona.

Abrines began his professional journey with Unicaja Malaga and CB Axarquía before signing with FC Barcelona in 2012. Over two stints with the club, he spent nine seasons wearing the blaugrana colors and played a major role in some of its biggest moments in recent years, helping Barça reach the Final Four on five occasions and get to the EuroLeague Championship Game in 2021.

In 2016, Abrines crossed the Atlantic to join the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he spent three seasons and appeared in 174 NBA games. After returning to Barcelona in 2019, he continued to add silverware to his résumé, winning multiple domestic titles and serving as one of the team’s captains.

A selection of big shots by Alex Abrines

A key figure in Spanish basketball’s golden generation, Abrines also made his mark with the national team, winning bronze medals at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and at EuroBasket 2017. He was known for his smooth shooting stroke, high basketball IQ, and quiet leadership on and off the court.

"Basketball has given me everything: unforgettable experiences, friends who’ve become family, moments of glory, tough losses, valuable lessons… and above all, your unconditional love and support," Abrines wrote in his retirement statement. "Every jersey I’ve worn has felt like an extension of myself, and I’ve given my all in every training session and every game."

Throughout his EuroLeague career, Abrines appeared in 273 games and averaged 6.4 points while making 41.4% of his three-point attempts. He is 25th in competition history with 368 three-pointers. Abrines's ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions made him a trusted option for coaches and a fan favorite.

Abrines departs the game “with a full heart and a peaceful mind,” as he now turns his attention to family and new challenges beyond the court. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and humility — a career that will be remembered fondly across both Europe and the NBA.

EuroLeague Basketball salutes Alex Abrines on his outstanding career and wishes him all the best in the next chapter of his life.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Gracias por todo, baloncesto ❤️🏀 <a href="https://t.co/4UjRjHdPEp">pic.twitter.com/4UjRjHdPEp</a></p>&mdash; Alex Abrines (@alexabrines) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexabrines/status/1947597749702004770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Alex Abrines

The sharpshooter walks away ranked 25th all-time in the EuroLeague for three-pointers made

Paris Basketball has secured a significant addition to its frontcourt by signing former NBA forward Lamar Stevens for the 2025-26 season

Paris reloads with versatile forward Lamar Stevens

Paris Basketball has secured a significant addition to its frontcourt by signing former NBA forward Lamar Stevens to a one-year deal, the club announced Tuesday.

Stevens (2.01 meters, 28 years old) arrives from the Memphis Grizzlies, where he appeared in 17 NBA regular season games last season and averaged 4.4 points and 2.2 rebounds per outing. He also appeared for Memphis in the playoffs. It was the fifth NBA season for the forward, who starred in college at Penn State, where he earned All–Big Ten First Team honors twice.

He began his NBA run with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2020 and after three seasons there split the next one between the Boston Celtics and Memphis. He has also played for the Motor City Cruise in the G League.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Welcome to Paris Basketball Lamar Stevens 🖤❤️💙<br><br>Le Paris Basketball est fier d’annoncer l’arrivée dans ses rangs de <a href="https://twitter.com/LamarStevens11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LamarStevens11</a> passé Cleveland, Boston et Memphis, et qui compte 220 matches NBA au compteur 🎒<br><br>Let’s get to work 😈 <a href="https://t.co/CQjhiFJBJE">pic.twitter.com/CQjhiFJBJE</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1947582830558531956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Paris Basketball news

The 28-year-old comes to play in Europe for the first time

FC Barcelona has strengthened its frontcourt by signing Toko Shengelia from Virtus Bologna.

Barcelona brings in forward Toko Shengelia

[FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) has strengthened its frontcourt by signing [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) to a three-year deal, the club announced on Monday.** 

Shengelia (2.06 meters, 33 years old) arrives from Virtus Segafredo Bologna, where he averaged 15.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and a PIR of 17.5 in 28 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games last season. He also helped the team win the Italian League.

Toko Shengelia with Virtus Segafredo Bologna in the 2024-25 season

2024-25 EuroLeague highlights: Toko Shengelia, Virtus

The Georgian forward joined Virtus midway through the 2021-22 season and helped the team win the BKT EuroCup title and reach the Italian League finals. While at Virtus, Shengelia was named the EuroLeague MVP for October 2023. He finished that month with a 23.6 PIR average, posting 18.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists. Shengelia helped Virtus return to the Italian League finals in 2024, losing against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Game 7. 

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚, 𝐧𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐜̧𝐚 💙❤ <a href="https://t.co/sP5iwLASnr">pic.twitter.com/sP5iwLASnr</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1947235957645758575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Shengelia started his professional basketball career with Valencia Basket and helped it win the EuroCup in 2010. He went on to play for Belgian sides VOO Verviers-Pepinster and Spirou Charleroi before joining the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. Shengelia also played for the Grand Rapids Gold of the G League and the Chicago Bulls of the NBA before joining Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz before the start of the 2014-15 season.

With Baskonia, Shengelia was selected to the 2017-18 All-EuroLeague First Team and earned March 2018 MVP honors. He also helped Baskonia win the Spanish League in 2020 and reach the 2016 EuroLeague Final Four, which he missed due to injury. Later, he played for CSKA Moscow, where he won the VTB United League in 2021, the year in which he made his Final Four debut.

Shengelia is a proud member of the Georgian national team. In 283 EuroLeague games with Charleroi, Baskonia, CSKA and Virtus, Shengelia has accumulated 3,507 points (12th overall), 1,361 rebounds (17th overall) and 638 assists, ranking seventh in fouls drawn (1,204) and 13th in PIR (4,066).

More Barcelona News

The experienced power forward returns to Spain after five years away

Barcelona binds Toko Shengelia through 2028

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv reloaded its frontcourt with the signing of Brazilian center Marcio Santos. The contract is for two seasons with an option for a third

Maccabi inks Marcio Santos to multi-year deal

[Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/roster/tel/) reloaded its frontcourt with the signing of Brazilian center [Marcio Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marcio-santos/013289/). The contract is for three seasons. 

Santos (2.06 meters, 22 years old) had never played in Europe before last season, when he averaged 7.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.4 blocks in less than 15 minutes per game in the EuroCup for ratiopharm Ulm. The big man raised those numbers to 8.4 points, 3.7 boards and 0.8 steals in the German League as he helped Ulm reach the playoff finals.

Best of Marcio Santos: 2024-25

"We are very happy with Marcio's arrival to Maccabi," GM Claudio Coldebella told [maccabi.co.il](http://maccabi.co.il). "He’s contributed to winning wherever he’s played, and he’s still young and trending upwards as player. Thanks to his potential, we have decided to sign him to a multi-year contract.

"He has always stood out for his feel for the game and efficiency. He impacts winning first and foremost. He's a smart physical player who helps the team in many areas of the game. He's a solid playmaking big man with sharp passing instincts."

Santos started his career with Franca in his native Brazil. Santos helped Franca secure three straight Brazilian League crowns and in 2022-23 was part of the side that won the FIBA Intercontinental Cup and BCL Americas titles.

Santos joins a short list of Brazilian players to have spent time with Maccabi, which includes Vítor Faverani, Alex Garcia and Murilo Becker.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">כל הפרטים &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/NPdiSjwc3S">https://t.co/NPdiSjwc3S</a> <a href="https://t.co/TVcRh91H13">pic.twitter.com/TVcRh91H13</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1947227979932750033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Maccabi news

The Brazilian center made his EuroCup debut last season with ratiopharm Ulm

Maccabi inks Marcio Santos to three-year deal

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv strengthened its backcourt by signing Israeli point guard Iftah Ziv for the 2025-26 season

Iftah Ziv returns to EuroLeague with Hapoel

[Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv/roster/hta/) strengthened its backcourt by signing Israeli point guard [Iftah Ziv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/iftah-ziv/profile/011220/) for the next three seasons.

Ziv (1.91 meters, 30 years old) arrives from Hapoel Holon, where he averaged 10.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.5 assists per game in the Israeli League last season. He returns to the EuroLeague after playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. Ziv appeared in 32 EuroLeague games in that period and helped Maccabi to the 2023 Israeli championships and a pair of Israeli Cups.

After leaving Maccabi, Ziv split the 2023-24 season between Granada in Spain and Saint Quentin in France. He grew up in the Maccabi Haifa youth system and also played for Ironi Kiryat Ata, Hapoel Kiryat Tivon and Elitzur Ramle in Israel's second division. He has since played for Bnei Herzliya, Maccabi Ashdod, Ironi Nahariya and Gilboa Galil. Ziv is also a member of the Israeli national team.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">מועדון הכדורסל הפועל ״IBI” תל אביב שמח לבשר על החתמתו של הרכז הישראלי יפתח זיו (30, 1.91 מ׳) לשלוש שנים, עד לסיום עונת 2027/28.<br><br>במהלך הקריירה עבר בעירוני קריית אתא, קריית טבעון, מכבי חיפה, בני הרצליה, מכבי אשדוד ועירוני נהריה. עונות השיא של זיו היו במדי גלבוע גליל, כשבעונת… <a href="https://t.co/PtJEmowU0I">pic.twitter.com/PtJEmowU0I</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1946976573925867956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More from Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv

He previously played two seasons in Europe's premier competition with rival Maccabi

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade locked up another promising talent with the signing of Serbian center Lazar Stojkovic

Crvena Zvezda adds promising prospect Lazar Stojkovic

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/roster/red/) locked up another promising talent with the signing of Serbian center [Lazar Stojkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lazar-stojkovic/013013/), the club announced Sunday.

Stojkovic (2.12 meters, 17 years old) arrives from BKK Radnicki Belgrade, where he played last season as a member of the senior team despite his tender age. Born in Obrenovac, Serbia, Stojkovic played for Zvezda’s U18 at the NextGen EuroLeague Qualifiers in Belgrade in March, where he posted 13.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 3.0 blocks.  

Regarded as one of the top young big men in Europe in his age group, Stojkovic is expected to join Zvezda after representing his country at the FIBA U18 European Championship in Belgrade at the end of the month. He joins a wave of young Serbian talent reinforcing the Crvena Zvezda roster this summer, including Stefan Miljenovic and Ognjen Radosic.

Best of Lazar Stojkovic: 2025 NextGen EuroLeague

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sr" dir="ltr">КК Црвена звезда Меридианбет наставља са стратегијом пружања шансе најталентованијим младим играчима. После Топића и Костића, уговор са црвено-белима потписује Лазар Стојковић.<br><br>Прошао је млађе категорије БКК Раднички, где је у протеклој сезони стекао и сениорско искуство.… <a href="https://t.co/SZkDxmoc3b">pic.twitter.com/SZkDxmoc3b</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1946896447447638458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Crvena Zvezda news

The center already played for Zvezda at the NextGen EuroLeague Qualifiers

One year away from the EuroLeague was enough for Chris Jones, who is returning after signing with Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv

Chris Jones is the latest weapon for Hapoel's backcourt

One year away from the EuroLeague was enough for [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/), who is returning after signing with [Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv/hta/).

Jones (1.88 meters, 32 years old) spent the previous three seasons with Valencia Basket. Last season was his first in the EuroCup and he averaged 10.6 points and 4.5 assists, though he was limited by injuries to 15 games. Jones helped Valencia reach the semifinals, where they were eliminated by Hapoel, which went on to win it all.

In Tel Aviv, Jones adds to an already deep backcourt featuring new additions [Vasilije Micic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/vasilije-micic-signs-lucrative-deal-with-hapoel-tel-aviv/), [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hapoel-tel-aviv-brings-elijah-bryant-aboard/) and [Tyler Ennis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tyler-ennis-returns-to-hapoel-tel-aviv/) and holdovers Yam Madar, [Antonio Blakeney](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hapoel-blakeney-agree-to-contract-extension/) and Bar Timor.

"I am proud to officially join Hapoel Tel Aviv for the upcoming season," Jones said in a statement released by the club. "It’s a great honor to be part of a prestigious club with amazing fans. I’m full of appreciation for the opportunity and ready to give my all for the team in pursuit of great achievements together. I’m excited for the journey ahead. Yalla Hapoel!"

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">✈️📍 <a href="https://t.co/biOgk3FZcn">pic.twitter.com/biOgk3FZcn</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1946890844688007376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The veteran playmaker made his EuroLeague debut with Hapoel's archrival Maccabi Teal Aviv back in the 2020-21 campaign. He also played one EuroLeague season with French side LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and has averaged 11.4 points in 126 EuroLeague games over four seasons.

Jones worked his way up to the EuroLeague the hard way after playing college basketball at Division II Angelo State University and beginning his professional career in Mongolia with Tuv Ajmag TuV. Then came stops in Switzerland with Starwings Regio Basel and in Belgium with Mons-Hainaut. A strong 2019-20 campaign in Turkiye with Bursaspor caught Maccabi's eye and Jones has remained in the top levels of European basketball ever since.

Basketball Nomads: Chris Jones and his journey to finding a 'home'

More Hapoel IBI Teal Aviv news

The point guard returns to Tel Aviv after playing for Maccabi four years ago

Each season, the top five players in Europe’s premier basketball competition are recognized with All-EuroLeague First Team honors. Over the past quarter century, these elite selections have showcased a who’s who of basketball legends, from rising stars to Hall of Famers and everything in between.

This summer, we're putting them all head-to-head to answer one big question: Which All-EuroLeague First Team stands above the rest?

We’ve seeded all 24 teams into a bracket created by our panel of in-house EuroLeague experts. Several times a week, we’ll reveal a new matchup on the official **EuroLeague Instagram account**, where you can vote for your favorite.

Right here on the official EuroLeague website, you’ll find a quick breakdown of each matchup – and which team we think deserves the edge. This time it's 2016 vs. 2023.

Let the debates begin. Let the voting begin. Let the best team win!

2016

- [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/), CSKA Moscow (age 28)
- [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/), CSKA Moscow (age 28)
- [Malcolm Delaney](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/malcolm-delaney/004331/), Lokomotiv (age 27)
- [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/), Fenerbahce (age 26)
- [Ioannis Bourousis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ioannis-bourousis/profile/aqu/), Baskonia (age 33)

2023

- [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), Maccabi (age 32)
- [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/), Real Madrid (age 24)
- [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), Olympiacos (age 29)
- [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), Partizan (age 27)
- [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/), Gran Canaria (age 31)

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These are two fun teams to dissect. So what makes the 2016 team special. First is that there are four players at the prime of their careers. The fifth is Bourousis, and since athleticism wasn’t what made him special, his contributions at age 33 were still spot on. This season featured De Colo at his best; EuroLeague MVP, Ford Trophy winner, Final Four MVP. And he lines up here with his CSKA backcourt mate, Teodosic. Then there is peak Delaney, giving the team three guards who can create and score. Add the explosiveness that Vesely brings at both ends and Bourousis's ability to stretch floors and you have a special team.

2023 has more size at almost every position. Brown runs the show as a veteran point guard and Musa is a slasher on the rise. Vezenkov is an elite shooter and scorer, while Lessort and Tavares are an amazing one-two punch in the paint at both ends. They – together with Vezenkov – should ensure that the 2023 side controls the rebounds.

One major difference between the sides is that 2016 has a three-guard lineup and all three are good ball handlers and passers. That in itself should lead to good shot selection and Bourousis’s wits should help negate the 2023 advantage at the rim by pulling his defender out of the paint, which would leave Vesely to challenge Lessort or Tavares. In my opinion, the 2016 team has the talent to negate the 2023 advantages and the guards to capitalize on mismatches and organize good looks, therefore I would go with that team… Share your vote on Instagram!