NBA International Notes: Raul Neto, Frank Jackson, Willie Cauley-Stein

November 25, 2024

FC Barcelona Lassa is making moves, and they’ve added a seasoned NBA veteran to bolster their backcourt.

Brazilian international Raul Neto, a 32-year-old point guard with a wealth of experience, has officially joined the roster. Neto began this season in Brazil’s NBB league with Pinheiros, where he showcased some impressive numbers — 16.8 points, 5.0 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game across five contests.

Neto’s journey through professional basketball reads like a world tour. Originally selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft (47th overall), he’s carved out a career that’s seen him play in the NBA, Europe, and Latin America.

His NBA stops included stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, and Washington Wizards, along with time in the G League. In Europe, Neto previously suited up for UCAM Murcia in Spain before this latest stint with Barcelona.

Jackson heads to China

The Jiangsu Nangang Dragons Nanjing are adding a fresh scoring punch to their backcourt, signing 26-year-old shooting guard Frank Jackson.

The former Duke standout brings both experience and versatility to the CBA squad. Jackson began this season with Nanterre 92 in France’s Betclic ELITE ProA, where he posted solid numbers — 11.6 points and 1.5 rebounds per game across eight contests.

Drafted 31st overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2017, Jackson has carved out a well-traveled pro career that’s taken him across three continents. He’s suited up in Europe, Asia, and North America, making stops in some of the world’s most competitive leagues.

His NBA resume includes time with the New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz, and Oklahoma City Thunder. He’s also been a G League contributor with the Salt Lake City Stars and competed in the NBA Summer League.

Cauley-Stein released

The Nanjing Tongxi Monkey Kings have decided to part ways with veteran center Willie Cauley-Stein after just two games in the CBA. The former Kentucky standout struggled to find his rhythm, averaging 3.0 points and 1.5 rebounds per game this season.

For Cauley-Stein, it marks another chapter in a well-traveled career that’s seen him suit up across multiple continents and leagues.

Drafted sixth overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2015, Cauley-Stein entered the NBA as a high-energy big man known for his defense and athleticism. Over the past decade, he’s built an extensive resume that spans stints in the NBA, G League, and overseas.

His stops have included time with the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Philadelphia 76ers, as well as playing professionally in Italy and Puerto Rico.