Thursday, July 24, 2008
NBA free agent bolts for Greece
Atlanta Hawks restricted free agent Josh Childress bolted for Greece this week.
It's the global economy, stupid. No seriously, the appreciation of the Euro has mattered. Of course, had Childress been an unrestricted free agent so that any NBA team would have been able to bid on him and this might not have happened. But when his team, the Atlanta Hawks took his restricted free agency lightly, Childress and agent examined their options and headed for Olympiacos Piraeus.
The Clarion doesn't think quite as highly of him as ESPN's John Hollinger who said, "...it deprives the Hawks of one of the best sixth men in the game, a guy who could make a huge impact without needing any plays run for him because of his ability to attack the glass, score in transition and play off the ball."
However, we do believe that this may be part of the beginning of a fascinating trend as athletes leave the United States to pursue their careers elsewhere for better money. For so long America has experienced the opposite, but it might appear things are beginning to change?
Labels: NBA, sports, Sports Economics
Comments:
No sooner had I finished this post about restricted free agent Josh Childress splitting the Hawks for Europe then I read Golden State Warriors free agent center, twenty-two year old, Andris Biedrins is being pursued by Europe. According to his agent at least three Russian teams have been in contact with the Latvian Biedrins.
Also saw that former Memphis Grizzly (and obviously a native Spaniard) Juan Carlos Navarro recently signed a deal with FC Barcelona. Also, Kansas college baller Sasha Kaun signed a deal with CSKA Moscow.
And another one: New Jersey Nets free agent Nenad Kristic signed a two year deal worth $3 million Euros per year with Triumph Moscow.
According to ESPN, the salary is effectively around $9 million per year, once you allow for the factors of the exchange rate and the fact that European clubs pay all the players' taxes.
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According to ESPN, the salary is effectively around $9 million per year, once you allow for the factors of the exchange rate and the fact that European clubs pay all the players' taxes.
