The trajectory of many professional basketball careers often leads beyond the familiar shores of the NBA, and for former Portland Trail Blazers guard Skylar Mays, that path has now firmly settled in the competitive landscape of European basketball. After several seasons navigating the challenging waters of the National Basketball Association, Mays has officially signed a new deal with a prominent European franchise, marking a significant transition in his professional journey. This strategic move underscores the global nature of the sport and the appeal of top-tier European leagues for talented players seeking new opportunities and challenges.
Mays, a 6-foot-4 combo guard known for his versatile play, initially entered the NBA after being selected as the No. 50 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft following a standout collegiate career at Louisiana State University. His professional start saw him ink a two-way deal with the Atlanta Hawks, where he split his playing time between the Hawks’ main roster and their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks. This period was crucial for his development, allowing him to hone his skills and adapt to the rigorous demands of professional play.
His tenure with the Hawks culminated in his two-way agreement being converted to a standard NBA contract at the close of the 2021-22 season, a testament to his persistent effort and on-court contributions. However, his time in Atlanta concluded without a long-term retention, leading him to explore new avenues. The subsequent fall, Mays secured another two-way deal, this time with the Portland Trail Blazers, a move that offered him a fresh start and a new platform to showcase his abilities in the Western Conference.
During his stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, Skylar Mays delivered several impactful performances, including a notable five-game stretch where he averaged an impressive 12.0 points and 8.2 assists per night, highlighting his potential as a reliable contributor. These solid turns earned him a standard contract with the Trail Blazers. Despite his efforts, Portland made the difficult decision to waive Mays in January 2024, leading him to quickly find a new home with the Los Angeles Lakers on another two-way deal to finish the 2023-24 season.
With the NBA contract landscape proving challenging for many players during the most recent summer, Mays made the strategic decision to pursue opportunities abroad. This led him to sign with Fenerbahce, a prominent Turkish EuroLeague squad, one of the premier competitions in European basketball. The EuroLeague offers a high level of competition and exposure, presenting a compelling option for players looking to continue their careers at an elite level outside of the NBA.
His debut season in European Basketball with Fenerbahce saw him contribute across both EuroLeague and BSL games. In 24 combined appearances, Mays averaged 5.3 points on .422/.268/.773 shooting splits, alongside 2.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.5 steals. These statistics reflect his role within the team and his adaptation to a different style of play and team dynamic in the demanding EuroLeague environment.
Skylar Mays’ move to Fenerbahce is more than just a change of scenery; it signifies his adaptability and commitment to playing high-level Basketball. This transition to European Basketball provides him with a new stage to refine his game and potentially carve out a long and successful international career. His journey serves as a reminder that the path to professional basketball success is multifaceted, with ample opportunities awaiting beyond the NBA’s spotlight.
