Former Bulls guard Carlik Jones debunks claims of turning down NBA offers to join EuroLeague
During an exhibition game against Team USA ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Carlik Jones delivered an electric triple-double performance for South Sudan. Following his Olympic showing, Jones reportedly said that he chose to join the EuroLeague as the best step for his career, despite receiving NBA offers, as per an interview with Mozzart Sport. However, he later refuted that statement in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
"This is so cap!" Jones posted.
Jones originally went undrafted in 2021 before joining the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Summer League. He was later waived on Oct. 15, despite signing a 10-day deal in the same year. Jones ended up returning to the league on another 10-day contract for the 2022-23 season but this time with the Denver Nuggets.
Carlik Jones would then sign a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls, where he appeared in seven games during the 2022-23 season. In his three NBA seasons, Jones put up 2.9 points and 0.9 assists per game.
Being a traveling player is challenging for any professional athlete because of its lack of stability and inconsistent playing time. However, he would later find a home in the Partizan of the ABA league when he joined on Aug. 20, 2024.
The conflicting reports do present an intriguing scenario as NBA insider Marc Stein previously reported that league teams had until July 25 this year to present an offer to the six-foot-one guard.
Carlik Jones talked about receiving an offer from Partizan
Carlik Jones highlighted Partizan's strong vision that featured him as one of the main contributors to the team. It was all a matter of fit and establishing expectations that sold him on the opportunity.
"They told me how much they respect my game," Jones said (per EuroHoops) "I had several conversations about my role, what I should expect from the team, but also what they expect from me. ... I did not expect Partizan's invitation, I was a free agent, and that's when you don't know what kind of offers you'll get. It's up to you to work your way up ..."
Before his current deal, he previously logged 38 games with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls from the Chinese Basketball Association. During his tenure there, he posted 16.5 points (48.5% shooting, including 40.2% from three-point range), 4.8 assists and 4.1 rebounds.