In a surprising move, two NBA veterans have decided to take their talents overseas, as Darius Bazley and Will Barton have both signed with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in China for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The news was first reported by Dario Skerletic of Sportando, shaking up the basketball world with this unexpected development.
Barton, a reliable bench scorer during his time in the NBA, did not play in the league last season, marking the first time he was not on an NBA roster since his rookie year in 2012-13. The 33-year-old veteran has had a solid career, having played for teams such as the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, and Toronto Raptors. With career averages of 11.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, Barton brings a wealth of experience and scoring ability to the Southern Tigers.
On the other hand, Bazley, a young and promising talent, has shown potential during his time in the league. Standing at six-foot-eight, Bazley has displayed versatility on the court, averaging 8.9 points and 5.2 rebounds over his five-year NBA career. Despite his inefficiency as a scorer, shooting 41.4% from the field and 30.9% from beyond the arc, Bazley has shown flashes of brilliance with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, and briefly with the Phoenix Suns.
Barton, a former 40th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, has had workouts with teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing his desire to continue playing at a high level. However, with the NBA landscape constantly evolving, Barton found an opportunity to continue his career in China alongside Bazley, a former 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
With their combined 16 seasons of NBA experience, both Barton and Bazley are poised to make an impact with the Guangdong Southern Tigers and leave a mark on the international basketball scene. As they embark on this new chapter in their careers, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these two talented players adapt to the competition overseas and continue to showcase their skills on a global stage.
