Transfer window: AS Monaco Basket formalizes the arrival of Serbian shooter Nemanja Nedovic, Mike James' return remains uncertain

Vassilis Spanoulis wanted a Euroleague-referred shooter in addition to Jordan Loyd in his squad: AS Monaco Basket granted the Greek coach's wish with the signing announced on Saturday of Serbian international guard Nemanja Nedovic (34 years old, 1.92m).

The latter, who played for Red Star Belgrade for the last three seasons, shot 39.1% on 3-pointers last season (12.5 pts average in 11 Euroleague seasons).

For two seasons (2020 to 2022), he was a player for Pana, the opponent of Spanoulis during the heated Athenian derbies.

Nedovic becomes the new member of a near-hallucinatory cast at lead and second (Calathes, James, Loyd, Nedovic, Okobo, Strazel, Michineau).

The Euroleague finalist is also playing the card of glorious veterans with Mirotic (34 years old), James (35 years old), Calathes (36 years old) and Nedovic (34 years old) in the squad.

In terms of talent, Mirotic and Nedovic have more than enough to prove that they are not coming to the Rock to gild the pill.

But where has Mike James gone?

Regarding the pivot Donatas Motiejunas (35 years old), figure of the Rock since 2022 and example of professionalism (under contract until 2027), uncertainty prevails as to his status since Spanoulis did not call on his services during the 2025 finals against Paris and during the Final Four in Abu Dhabi.

Monaco currently has 16 professionals in its squad, with the arrival of a sixth JFL (locally trained player) announced yesterday, namely former HTV and Métros point guard David Michineau (the six French players: Strazel, Okobo, Tarpey, Begarin, Makoundou, Michineau). A club cannot field more than six foreigners at a time in the league, while Euroleague regulations do not provide for any quota.

Mike James, for his part, is apparently expected in Monaco on Monday and could participate in his first training session on Tuesday. The conditional remains in place: MJ was initially expected last Wednesday.

Having returned to the USA following his suspension by the club last June , without playing in the Elite play-offs, MJ continues to give news from time to time via social networks: a short video of a match between friends here, a strange message to decipher there....

His absence is starting to raise questions as his teammates resumed training at the end of August. It's known that MJ left on an angry note with his management. A dispute still unresolved? His arrival in the Principality today would dispel any doubts.