Saski Baskonia announced the signing of DJ Steward, the American guard who exercised his opt‑out clause with Dolomiti Energia Trento. Averaging 15.3 points per game in his European rookie season, the Basque club aims to boost its perimeter and add fire to the pick‑and‑roll.
What happened with DJ Steward?
On June 30, Corriere del Trentino reported that Steward triggered the termination clause in his two‑year contract with Trento, signed last summer. He appeared in 53 games, posted 15.3 points per contest, and exploded for 38 points in Game 5 of the quarter‑finals against Virtus Bologna. Yet his year also featured defensive lapses and some scoring inconsistency.
Why does this matter for Saski Baskonia?
Baskonia, competing in the ACB and EuroLeague, needs a scorer who can create his own shot from the perimeter and open lanes for wing players. Steward brings a field‑goal percentage above 45 % and a three‑point accuracy near 38 % in Italy, numbers that could lift the team’s offensive output. His playoff experience adds valuable pressure handling for EuroLeague moments.
What does his arrival mean for the EuroLeague?
The move gives Steward a chance to test himself at the highest European level. With Baskonia, he will face clubs like CSKA Moscow or Fenerbahçe, where his ability to score in quick bursts will be scrutinized. Coach Joan Peñarroya, known for a fast, pick‑and‑roll‑heavy system, could slot Steward as a key guard in the rotation.
What’s next for DJ Steward?
Sources close to the club say the deal is for two years with an optional third season. Meanwhile, Steward is gearing up for his ACB debut, which will be against Barça, a matchup that will test his adaptation to the Spanish pace. Fans already picture him leading the offense in the final minutes of tight games.
Key stats: 53 games with Trento, 15.3 pts / game, 38 pts in a decisive win over Virtus Bologna, opt‑out clause exercised June 2024. With these figures, Saski Baskonia bets the guard will bring consistency and explosiveness to its EuroLeague campaign.