Serge Ibaka, Carl Landry and Andrei Kirilenko - All linked with a European stint: NBA Update
The NBA lockout is just in its first week but already the rumour mill is going strong. After indications from NBA A-listers, including NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks, that they could consider a move to Europe, more and more players are starting to consider the option.
The names being thrown around now are Oklahoma City shot blocker Serge Ibaka, alongside free agent forwards Carl Landry and Andrei Kirilenko.
Armani Jeans Milano, the Italian basketball club, are apparently hot on the heels of Landry. The move seems appealing to them as the player is out of contract in the NBA and would not require the clearance needed from FIBA for playing in Europe. However, the player is yet to give an indication about his intentions in this regard.
One man who is considering the move and has come out to speak to this effect is Andrei Kirilenko. The 30 year old has played at the Utah Jazz his entire NBA career and seems ready for a change of scenery. He is also a free agent and as such would not have many hurdles in making the move across the Atlantic. Kirilenko hasn’t received an offer from Europe so far, but there is little debate on what he will do once a European team does come calling,
“I’m in a better situation that the players who have valid contracts with NBA teams. If the lockout ends they will have to return to their teams. As a free agent I can play the entire next season in Europe, or even more than one season.” Kirilenko said.
Serge Ibaka is the odd one out as he is still under contract at the Oklahoma City Thunder. A move to Europe for him would thus be complicated even if the lockout dragged on and cost the whole season, Ibaka would need permission from FIBA to play elsewhere.
However Ibaka is determined not to waste any time just sitting around. The player knows that his fitness is very important and there’s no better way to stay sharp than to keep playing,
“I would rather play to stay in shape rather than stay idle,” said Ibaka.
Serge Ibaka was a very important part of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s deep run in the playoffs that ended at the hands of eventual NBA World Champions, the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Before coming to the NBA, Ibaka played in the Spanish league for 2 years and it is believed that he is considering a return to his old hunting ground, at least temporarily.
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