Former Golden State Warriors first-round draft pick Jacob Evans has signed with KK Borac Čačak, a professional basketball club competing in the Serbian KLS and the regional ABA League. The 27-year-old guard, who last played in the NBA in 2020, joins the Serbian side following stints in the G League and international play.
Professional Career Path After the NBA
Jacob Evans was originally selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 28th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of the University of Cincinnati. During his time in the Bay Area, Evans struggled to secure a consistent rotation spot, appearing in 58 games across two seasons. The Warriors eventually traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in February 2020 as part of the deal that brought Andrew Wiggins to Golden State.
Following his departure from the NBA, Evans sought to revitalize his professional career. He spent time with the Erie BayHawks and the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA G League. His transition to the European market marks a significant shift in his professional trajectory, as he joins a competitive environment in Serbia known for its rigorous development of perimeter players.
KK Borac Čačak and the ABA League
KK Borac Čačak, based in Čačak, Serbia, is a historic club that maintains a presence in the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League. The league is widely regarded as one of the most competitive developmental circuits in Europe, often serving as a bridge for players looking to transition into top-tier EuroLeague rosters or return to North American professional play.
According to the ABA League’s official roster updates, the addition of Evans is intended to bolster the team’s backcourt depth as they navigate a demanding schedule across both domestic and regional competitions. Borac has historically focused on integrating experienced international guards to complement their domestic talent pool.
Contextualizing the Transition
The move to Serbia follows a trend of former NBA draft picks moving to the Adriatic region to secure playing time and tactical refinement. Evans’ career arc—moving from a high-profile championship contender in Golden State to the G League, and now to a European regional league—mirrors the path of several players attempting to sustain long-term professional careers outside of the NBA.
While Evans showed defensive versatility during his collegiate career at Cincinnati, his offensive efficiency, particularly his three-point shooting, remained a primary point of development throughout his NBA tenure. His performance in the ABA League will be measured by his ability to adapt to the more physical, team-oriented defensive schemes prevalent in European basketball.
Key Takeaways
- Draft History: Jacob Evans was the 28th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors.
- Team Transfer: He has officially signed with KK Borac Čačak, an ABA League team based in Serbia.
- League Standing: The ABA League is a high-level regional competition that serves as a primary pipeline for European basketball talent.
- Professional Status: This move represents Evans’ latest step in a journey that has included the NBA, the G League, and now international professional basketball.
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