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As previously mentioned, NBA Summer League is often used as a platform to seek out an opportunity to earn money playing overseas. While the NBA is still the prime objective for any player across the globe, there's still plenty of chances for those men to make a solid living playing basketball elsewhere. Such doors have recently opened for former NBA and D-League front-court players Craig Brackins and Samardo Samuels, both of whom who have signed on to compete in the Euroleague during the upcoming 2013-14 season.
After finishing out his duties with the Clippers' Summer League team, Samardo Samuels inked a two-year deal with EA7 Emporio Armani, where he'll be looked at to steer the team's frontcourt. In a similar role to what he had in Reno following the departure of Jerome Jordan, Samuels will have to utilize his physical 260 pound frame to try and out muscle some of the best bigs in the Euroleague.
Samuels will be joined by fellow D-League alumni Keith Langford and Malik Hairston who have carved out a niche in Europe after failing to make much of an impact at the NBA level. While those two have worked their way towards successful careers overseas, Samuels will look to follow the paths paved by Pero Antic and Vitor Faverani, who are both now looking to make transitions to the NBA after having success playing basketball internationally.
While having a rather disappointing career in the NBA after being selected in the first round of the 2010 NBA draft, 6'10 forward Craig Brackins has signed on to join Euroleague newcomer Stelmet Zielona Gora, where he'll play alongside D-League alum Christian Eyenga.
As the front-court leader of a new Euroleague team, the organization will be looking for Brackins to use his solid low-post ability to help lead the team past some of the league's bigger powerhouses. Despite his experience playing in the D-League and NBA, Brackins does have a bevy of experience overseas in Italy, Poland and Israel. It wouldn't be out of the question to see him adapt rather quickly to the style of the Euroleague, compared to other American transports.
Both Brackins and Samuels will be thousands of miles away from American soil as they start their Euroleague careers. While a return to the NBA is not 100% certain for either of these two men, they could still carve out their own niche in the Euroleague.