Former NBA centre Daniel Theis made waves earlier this year when he signed with AS Monaco, passing up opportunities in the NBA and with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos.
His decision to return to Europe after being waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder was motivated by both professional and personal considerations.
Theis revealed in an interview that he did have the chance to stay in the NBA, with the New York Knicks expressing interest.
“Before coming to Europe, I had an offer from the Knicks,” Theis said.
“Mitchell Robinson was coming back from injury. I spoke with (Tom) Thibodeau, and he told me I would be insurance for them if Robinson couldn’t play. I thought, if I stay until the end of the season and don’t play, what chances will I have in the summer? So I said, ‘I’m going to Europe. If I play well, I’ll have better chances.’”
This candid explanation sheds light on Theis’s strategic approach. Rather than accept a bench role with limited playing time, he chose to play regularly in Europe, hoping that strong performances there would improve his future prospects. This mindset highlights how professional athletes often weigh playing opportunities against the risk of stagnation on the sidelines.
Beyond basketball, Theis’s choice was deeply influenced by quality of life factors. He credited Monaco’s coach, Vassilis Spanoulis, with personally reaching out, which played a major role in his decision. “Maybe I wouldn’t have come to Europe if (Monaco coach Vassilis) Spanoulis hadn’t called me. I didn’t just look at the money, but the school, the life, everything,” Theis explained.
For Theis, this was about more than just the game; it was about finding a stable environment for his family. After years of bouncing around the NBA — where he suited up for six different teams — the constant movement had begun to take its toll. “Trades in the NBA are kind of like, ‘Thank you, but you have to go – we traded you to Chicago.’ Then you pass medicals, go back for two days to where you were to get your things and move. It’s tough,” he shared.
This candid reflection highlights the often-overlooked personal challenges players face. Theis underscored the harsh reality that trades are often driven by business considerations rather than individual performance. “After some years, you see the business side of the league. Sometimes it’s not that your team doesn’t want you, but another team wants you more. Or sometimes you’re part of a trade because your contract fits better somewhere else. It’s like Panini stickers – you take two, I take one. When you have a family, it’s not easy.”
His analogy of trades to swapping Panini stickers perfectly captures the transactional nature of professional sports — a world where players are assets moved around according to strategy, contracts, and team needs rather than loyalty or merit alone.
By choosing Monaco, Theis prioritized stability, playing time, and family life over staying in the uncertain and demanding environment of the NBA. His story reflects a broader trend among athletes who balance career ambitions with personal well-being, often opting for opportunities abroad that offer a better quality of life.
As Theis settles into his role with AS Monaco, fans and observers will be watching to see if this new chapter helps him flourish both on and off the court.
