New York Knicks centre Ronny Turiaf set to play alongside Tony Parker during the Lockout: NBA News
Team officials from the French club Asvel, which is partially owned by San Antonio Spurs superstar Tony Parker, recently declared that the New York Knicks centre Ronny Turiaf will be playing for the franchise during the NBA lockout.
Turiaf’s agent Mark Bartelstein however has stressed that a number of things have to be worked out before the Knicks’ big man can take the floor in the French basketball team. According to Mark, these issues also include the insurance.
While giving an interview to ESPN, Mark Bartelstein said, “A number of things have to be worked out. If we can work everything out, then he’d love to play with Tony,”
Ronny Turiaf has been very keen to start a stint with the French club and it was only last week that he showed desire to start working out with the team. However Ronny’s agent reminded that the player needs to insure 4.36 million
dollar contract with the Knicks before any deal can be finalized.
If the insurance issue is resolved and Ronny receives a green signal to play in Asvel’s uniform, he will be the first player from New York Knicks to join a European team during the ongoing NBA lockout. Although, Knicks power forward
Amare Stoudemire has received a number of offers from different European clubs as well, however he is not keen to go overseas just yet.
Ronny Turiaf, who is a French national, had previously missed an opportunity of playing in the FIBA Eurobasket due to a left hand injury. However, Turiaf has recovered completely and is all set to grasp the basketball court again.
Turiaf, who was selected with the 37th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2005 NBA Draft, has played six seasons in NBA. He however has failed to deliver so far in NBA and has a career average of just
5.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
The major reason for his below average performances has been the injury issue. The big man is yet to play a complete season and that makes his off season move all the more important. Now in his third team, Turiaf knows that time
is running out and if he does not shine in the next season, he might never to make it big in NBA.
The Knicks do not have a very deep roster at the moment and to make a mark, the bearded centre has to raise to game now. He seems to realize that fact and the stint with Asvel seems to be the preparation of the next NBA season,
whenever it starts.
Tags: