Europe can be a great career choice
Hi everybody!
I love it here in Miami. Sailing on my boat, going fishing… But I’m eager to start the season with my new team Regal Barcelona! I think we’ll start the preseason on August 21.
I’m looking forward to meeting my new coach, teammates, general manager, the president… I can’t wait to see Terence Morris. I spent so much time with him in Houston with the Rockets. I competed with him for the small forward spot to get playing time in training camp. I remember Rudy Tomjanovich having a lot of confidence in him. That man was a positive influence on the players. He really trusted them.
Let’s talk a little bit about Ricky Rubio, which I know you like. I’m hearing he could go to our team, he could go to Madrid, to Olympiakos… This is the exciting part: he’s got a lot of things going on for him. It would be great to have Ricky with our team. I know his dad and I’m sure they are excited about all the possibilites right now. I had dinner with his dad in Vitoria after we played DKV Joventut in the Euroleague. He is a very nice guy and was very good with his son and the way he talked about him I’m sure they have a great relantionship.
It looks like Wolves GM David Kahn is not worried about Rubio staying in Europe. He should be. He shouldn’t forget that Ricky is Spanish, and sometimes is good to be close to home. And Barcelona is really close to Badalona. You just have to cross the street!
Some people in the NBA don’t quite get Euro basketball. They don’t understand that players are very comfortable in their countries. Of course Ricky would like to go to the NBA. I’m sure about it even though I haven’t spoken to him. But guys, Spain is also a great option. You are talking about two of the biggest clubs in Europe in Real Madrid and Barcelona.
This Ricky situation is a perfect example of what some people of the States don’t understand. European basketball is great, being in the Euroleague is great. I meet a lot of people and when I tell them I’ll play with Barcelona they ask me, “Aren’t you trying yo come back to the NBA?” Hey, there’s a world outside the NBA! And the Spanish League is a great situation.
You make dollars in the States and now I’m making euros in Europe. The truth is, my market is higher in Europe. Ricky would make more money in Europe than he would in the NBA this year. If he goes now to the NBA, he would play for the Wolves, a team that is at least a couple of years away from competing for the title… Here in Spain he would compete for the ACB title and the Euroleague title right away.
I was in the Bahamas last weekend and guys were asking me where I played and stuff. I explained them, and when I said Barcelona everybody was like, “Oh, I love that city.” Barcelona wanted me bad, and teams in the NBA wanted to pay me the minimum. Come on! I’m 31-years-old. I’m not playing for the minimum. I built my career in Europe from 2003 when I started in Peristeri in Greece. Then I went all the way up. I reached the top level with Tau and now I’m still on the top with Barcelona. In some way, going to the NBA would be a step back for me. Why do that when I have it good in Spain?
What do you guys think?
That’s all for now. Bye!
freesafety Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 6:38 pm
hey man, good luck with barca this season, they are my favourite team in football which means i root for them in euroleague
i’m from the same country as your former coach ivanovic, and it’s really nice to see that you are enjoying your time in europe. also, a smart move to stay, as you said you are 31, no reason to play for less money in NBA when Euroleague isn’t far below as far quality goes
Joko Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
Thanks for those two years in vitoria Pete, we enjoy a lot.
Baskoniaman.
elQueFaltaba Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
Pete, this was nicely put together … after all i’ve read from fans and media from the US, this is something big from someone in-the-know!!
I specially liked the ‘There is a world out there’ commentary .. can’t agree more.
NBA is, to me too, the top league in the world, but life can be equally brilliant overseas.
So, good luck at Barcelona this year!
(and thats from an Estudiantes fan!)
Cheers!
swim Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 6:52 pm
good perspective… spain is amazing!! Although, a young stud like rubio still thinks he’s immortal, and that he can conquer the NBA a status that would make him a king like Pau Gasol back in Spain… personally, i don’t think he will ascend that high but i can imagine that is where his mind is — big money Nash and Kidd like contracts, and immortality… why a weathered mind, i would play in barcelona over minnesota any day of the week tho —
big daddy Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 6:57 pm
Hey Pete,you make a great point.There is life outside the NBA,a good life.We Americans are ignorant about what goes on outside our borders.I live in Miami too.I love the NBA.But I sit in front of the television and watch Euroleague games on NBA TV all the time and on the internet too.I covered your games when you were at Cincinnati and its great to see that you,unlike a lot of other American ballers,have discovered good hoops,good money,and great lifestyle beyond the NBA.By the way,I’ve been to Spain,awesome country,good luck in Barcelona.
Hoopster Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 7:25 pm
Euro-Ball is a great life…many players build lives in Europe and wish they never came back…when I lived in Germany Wendell Alexis dominated the German league…he was a major force in the Big East. Saw him win a bronze medal in the World Games
mvblair Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 8:00 pm
Wonderful commentary. Most EL players could make it to the NBA one way or another, but the truth is they love those tax-free Euros and the high competition.
Eric Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 9:10 pm
Barcelona is one of my favorite cities. Getting to work and live there alone would be reward enough, but the fact you’re getting paid more than you would in the U.S. easily seals the deal.
It really is a pretty obvious choice, and you’ve made the right one. I think the only reason people here in the States would be hesitant to do the same thing is because of insular thinking — the (preposterous) idea that there’s no world beyond our shores.
If more people knew Barcelona and some of the other great European cities, they would be a lot more understanding.
nick Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 10:57 pm
Pete, GREAT BLOG.
Being an Australian living in Malibu California, I have seen a lot of ignorant comments about basketball outside of the States.
In the old days, the NBA was the pinnacle, now thats not the case. David Andersen is a prime example of building his resume’ in Europe, a genuine star in world basketball but unknown until he took a DROP in pay to sign with Houston Rockets.
He is playing NBA to satisfy an itch, thats all.
There are great places to play ball, from the lifestyle of Australia to the massive $$$$$$ on offer in Russia, players now have options and NBA teams have to negotiate instead of dictating.
Tod Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 11:01 pm
Hey man, great piece. Europe is a great destination for basketballers. And the Euro is exceptionally attractive. No wonder you’ve stayed in Europe. Better pay, great food, plenty of international travel, the season is shorter than the NBA, the games are at an incredibly high standard and the people are awesome
Strength Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 11:24 pm
This is a very interesting article. I wonder how many extremely talented players stayed in Europe for Europe and skipped playing in the NBA.
Spain had a bunch of NBA players in the Olympics, so I think there’s still an appeal to playing in the NBA.
Either way europe or the NBA you guys are the envy of many.
Charles F. Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 11:29 pm
No one ever said europe is a bad option, which is how you make it sound. I have a question for you? As a ball player I always wanted to play the best team with the best players. To me thats what the NBA is about. Make your money true, but at the end of the day a man wants to know where he stacks up. Im assuming your a man, So to say going back to the NBA is a step back is insane. Just something to think about.
Hank Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 11:43 pm
Don’t kid yourself. Euro hoops is just one step above the WNBA. Plus hoops takes a major backseat to soccer over there. The NBA is where the greatest ballers play. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s cool players of lesser ability can make more money overseas, but the fact of the matter is the best basketball is played in the USA. Some have the desire to compete at the highest level. Some have the desire to make a bigger paycheck.
Kenzo Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
hey i’m heading to europe this fall for the first time I want check you guys out in barcelona?? when does the league erupt???
David Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 12:38 am
This is great advice…if you are only playing for the money. I don’t understand how players with such skill can settle for playing in a JV league. Aren’t you competitive? Don’t you want to play and win against and with the best in the world?
Adrian Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 12:59 am
I think it’s a good move to go to Europe. THE NBA has a funny numbers game they play and it has nothing to due with talent/ It’s politics. I wish more players would go to Europe branch out as youngsters and see something different and gain an invaluable perspective rather than just settling for the NBA, DLeague etc. Good job Pete
Fernando Martín Espina Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 1:24 am
Good point Pete! I’m a fan of Real Madrid and I really love NBA but it’s completely true that it’s much better for many players to stay in a competitive team, well payed, well considered, playing minutes and being respected. Besides, I really believe that teams like the Wolves are really no match for teams like Barcelona, Tau, Real Madrid or Olimpyakos, what do you think about that?. You are in a rival but I have a lot of respect for you, you deserve it because of your words and your intensity in the game. Have fun and play well in Barcelona, but I’m sorry (well, not really sorry) that you have to deal with Messina this year and you are not winning hehe.
George Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 3:06 am
What happened to your Bulgarian passport? I mean, are you facing any charges for the alleged fraud? Just wondering what really was going on when I heard the news…
Matt Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 4:49 am
Nice article
davitet Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 6:07 am
De un español, mucha suerte en el Barcelona crack!
Gerard Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 6:51 am
Hank and Charles don’t be TOO AMERICAN. If there is one thing that the Europeans hate about americans is that feeling of beeing the king of the hill. You have the league where more money is payed and that guarantee the best players, but men, I preffer beeing respected and live confortably and do my job than work in a place that nobody trust me and I cannot feel fulfilled.
That part of your mentality is the one that makes you be the most important country of the world but at the same time the country in the first world with more people living in poverty.
Stop working to have that Lexus and invest that money to travel a little bit around the world.
By the way Pete, see you at the Palau Blaugrana this year. Dedicate a 3-pointer to me.
Jaumemont Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 6:53 am
Most of the role players in the NBA aren’t good enough top play in the top teams of Euroleague. Josh Childrens is good but not the best player of the competition. Who thinks that the Basketball level in Europe and specialy in Spain ACB is poor is an ignorant and blind. In the 5 years some NBA teams come to Spain for the NBA Europe live and 3 diferents Spanish teams beat Toronto, Memphis and Philadelphia.
The election of Pete is not only about money. He is playing in very competive league, Spanish ACB, and having and important role. Do you now names like: Scola, Nocioni, Gasol Brothers, Navarro, Garbajosa, Sabonis, Oberto, Varejao, Lampe, Calderón, Rudy Fernández. All of them played in ACB.
The years when the only option to play in hightest level was the NBA are over.
Pete welcome to Barcelona.
Con Ricky, Navarro, Fran y tu este año ganamos la Euroliga.
Y además podrás disfrutar de la pesca.
Tom McLaughlin Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 9:23 am
Euroleague and Spanish league have a great reputation. However, the Greek league and especially Olympiakos breaching contracts and owing millions to players is disturbing. the story can be found at http://www.internationalplayersassociation.webs.com . AIPA is taking action against Olympiakos when they travel to the U.S. for their games in San Antonio vs the Spurs and when they are in Cleveland for the game against the Cavs and LeBron. The U.S. Justice Department will now have Olympaikos on U.S. soil.
Andre Almeida Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 9:33 am
Wass good Pete Congrats on the big time deal, now I got to take something out of my chest. (Charles F, Hank and company). What you guys know about competing with the best players in the world? The league has about 30 great players and 50 good players which leaves out 380 role players, like 80% of the league, that we call ¨specialists¨Players that are only good in one or two things, like big Ben (rebound, and shot blocking). But in Europe you HAVE to be an all around player. You see a number of players leaving Europe( European leagues) and ( if the change is given of course)succeeding in the NBA, it is because the level here allow them to be more than a role player, something that its totally different here when you talk about Americans coming to play in Spain or Greece or even Italy. a lot of the Americans that are here came straight from college or tried unsuccessfully to play in the NBA, just because their style did not fit there, not just because they were not capable of doing it. as Pete Said Terence Morris in the NBA was trying to make the roster as a SF(3), but here in europe he plays at the 4 or 5 position, which makes a very skilled post player. So for the record here in europe you need skills and size to play at the highest levels which in the NBA sometimes size and Athleticism are just enough to make the roster, so size and athleticism are given, you just can´t teach that, but skills are acquired through the years, what I mean by that is, many players in the league rely on their entire career in just being Big and athletic, you just don´t see that happening in Europe. So now that you are more informed about what is and what isn´t I hope you realize that competing with the best in this case is a matter of who you are talking about, in the NBA 18% 19% of the league are the superstars when here in Europe you have at least 40% of the league are players that if given an opportunity in the league would make a major impact on their roster. So don´t judge the name judge the game, come one season to Europe , watch the games see what the european league is about then you might be entitled to say something about competing against the best, until then just keep watching Kobe, Lebron, Wade, Mello, Pierce, etc. and Keep thinking that the NBA is only made of superstars, when we all know what the truth is.
Amessiah Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 9:57 am
Great points Andre, but I wanna ask you this what percentage of all NBa players so you think would make an impact on a Euroleague team? You stated that at least 40% of Euroleague players would make a major impact on an NBA roster, so I would like to know what’s the flipside of that. Also of that 40%, how many of those are guys are American ballplayers who didnt make a roster in the NBA.. I’m just curious becaause honestly I think comparing the NBA to the Euroleague is apples and organges. And thats no slight to the Euroleague.
Ice Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 10:06 am
Pete,
What’s up homey? It’s Ice! Long time no hear from.. I’m happy to see you’re doing well. If you’re in Miami I’ll probably run into you when I get out there in a couple weeks. Stay up bro…
Porky Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 10:15 am
Euros are worth more than the crappy US dollar. Europe is more classy, has better food and wine. But watch out for that VAT tax, my friend.
Blo Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 10:25 am
Pete- Glad to see you are doing well and enjoying life. I just wanted to say it was a pleasure to watch you at Cincy playing Huggins style of ball. Cincy was a beast not to be fucked with back then and I loved watching you guys play. Even though Huggins is WVU he doesn’t have those same type of players like you, steve logan, melvin levett, jason maxiell, kenyon martin, and ruben patterson. Fuck the league, do what is good for you and yours.
Hoopscoop Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 10:31 am
The market is higher in Europe? Because there is no market whatsoever in the NBA for his services.
Asteri Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 11:11 am
Greetings for Peristeri Pete!!
This year our team returned to the first division and everybody is excited!!!
We would love to see you someday back in the city, even as a visitor.
Stay healthy and thanks for the memories!
P.
hoopfan Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 11:11 am
euro basketball is so boring.
Mike Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 11:22 am
I think some of you guys are missing his point and are being compeltely narrow-minded. Saying that he is not competitive because he stays in Spain? That is ridiculous. Of course the best basketball is in the US, but there are also plenty of Euro players that are better than many current NBA players. Why come here to ride the bench on an NBA team when he can play more, make more money, live in a beautiful country, free travel, and have great peace of mind? The point he is making is that Europe can be a great option for some people and more players should look into it more. Great article!
MKo Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 11:35 am
Europe is a good choice for players like Pete who can’t get a spot in the NBA. The NBA has the best talent in the world and just about any border line starter or role player would be a top player in europe. Even some players at the end of NBA benches could make a big impact on a euro team. There’s players that get cut in the NBA and go to europe and look like all stars. Look at Anthony Parker, he tore up the euroleauge and didn’t do much of anything in the NBA. Im not trying to diss anyone, players should do what’s best for them and if Pete thinks that’s what’s best for him more power to him but to think that euroleauge is anywher near the NBA as far as talent that’s just plain stupid.
Luke Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
No Hoopscoop…
The NBA is more interested in a raw kid with zero basketball skills just loads of athleticism. There’s usually 4-5 of them on every roster. Every general manager’s dream is to find a diamond in the ruff in hopes that he pans out to be a superstar. Unfortunately, that usually doesn’t work out. If NBA teams were assembled purely on basketball skills I GUARENTEE you that Pete could make any team’s roster and be a solid contributor.
BTW, I live in Detroit and have been a fan of the NBA throughout my whole life. However, it’s pretty sickening to see how biased and dumb some Americans really are…
Sam Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 3:53 pm
Mickeal has all it takes to be a rotation player in the NBA. But at 31, why would he do it? As he wrote, he’s been building his European career since 2003, he’s pursuing ACB titles, Copa del Reys, Euroleague titles, and now he’s on a great team with Barcelona.
I’m pretty sure for American basketball players there is nothing more attractive than playing for a contender in the NBA. But behind that, playing for something [a title] with Barcelona is clearly more attractive for every player that has a competitive mind than playing for some low-level team in the NBA.
Like Navarro, for whom the season with the Grizzlies was a complete waste.
GR Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 4:37 pm
Do you plan to finish your career in Europe ?
And after your career, wouldn’t yu like to coach a european team ?
C.Bates Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 4:42 pm
What’s up Pete? Good to see you are still playing the game we love. I remember we had some monster battles in JUCO. Iowa Western vs. Indian Hill I was #33 on IWCC. You, JJ Green, and Juan M, that was a good squad. keep getting your game on. You don’t have to play in the NBA, to validate yourself. You let the basketball take you to the highest level possiblem and you just stand there and collect the benefits
C.Bates Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
What’s up Pete? Good to see you are still playing the game we love. I remember we had some monster battles in JUCO. Iowa Western vs. Indian Hill I was #33 on IWCC. You, JJ Green, and Juan M, that was a good squad. keep getting your game on. You don’t have to play in the NBA, to validate yourself. You let the basketball take you to the highest level possible and you just stand there and collect the benefits
1st stringer Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 4:47 pm
euro ball is booooriiiiing. not enough atheletes and too many rule changes to accomodate the lesser talent. euros are better than cash i must admit…thats about it
v Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 7:39 pm
euroleague has better skills i believe then nba, not athleticism, or even to close to that, but skills, as in shoot better, better game play, and technical aspects. Only rookie fans cant appreciate euroleague basketball, because they dont know what real basketball is e.g. they want to be entertained with dunks, and show-time stuff..its all good for the game, however in terms of actual basketball, euroleague is just as good, look at international competitions, and see how the teams are run and how well they run plays, theres a dime a dozen of euro 7 footers handling the ball and shooting the 3, nba has some of them too, but the reason they are in the nba is due to their athleticism, thus the game is faster and relies more on isolation, to take advantage of that, rather than team work..which basketball is! and mikael could make an nba squad, nba gm’s waste their money on unproven kids instead of good vets with knowledge and professionalism. just my view.
Poul Hansen Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 3:01 am
I must admit, if I had to choose between the NBA and playing for Barcelona Barcelona would be my first choice. Less games, less travel, small town where you can get around fast, great food, excellent climate, awesome cultrurally rich city, inspiring arcitecture, the beaches, you can get to the largest citys in Spain in less than 3 hours with high comfort in the high speed train (hate flying)…
The Spanish women….
JEFF Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 3:32 am
WHERE IS BRACEY WRIGHT!?!!!!!!!!!!!
Heard he went a wall
estudiantes Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 4:53 am
hey ¡ best wishes from Galicia - Lugo & A Coruna - i need your advise to try to stop “rudy” one and one at the playground see u keepin n touch
José Freitas Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 5:18 am
Hello Pete, nice and clean overview.
Europe just above WNBA? So why some bad NBA teams lose against Euro good teams in friednly matches?
Remember the combined European leagues tema’s is comparable to the Whole NCAA!!
Olympiakos, Real Madrid, Barcelona just to name a few are much better than the Clippers, Grizllies or Wolves.
And money does count, as you can see players in the NBA whining and leaving a contender to a loser team for 500 grand more.
GetlikeMe Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 11:09 am
This is a very good peace you have written about playing basketball overseas. I feel about the league minimum. What people do not understand is basketball is becoming global. If the NBA does change it marketing plan you will see a lot of NBA players making Euros. I think it is going the route now with lot more US player playing overseas. I wish a lot more players would go over like you and Josh Childress. Keep do what you are doing and make those EUROS.
Andre Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 11:33 am
Sneaky Pete….What’s good boi…This Wuboo…hahah man I’m proud of you and I know the ROCK is to. You talk to FEDA lately hit me up on this email so we can catchup Lenny said what’s good to.
andre.scott@skyfament.com
Ryan Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 11:46 am
Can you take Carlos Boozer with you?
Pete Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 12:06 pm
I only have a few words to say. Did u see the Olimpic Final agains Spain? We need a very focused Kobe, Wade, Paul… and huge effort of the rest of our (cream of the cream players) to win that game. Still believe outside our borders doesnt know how to play bball??..mmm yyaaaaa
Diego López de Ipiña Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
Hi Pete,
We will miss you in Vitoria. We will always be grateful with you because you gave everything you had for Baskonia! It is a pity that now you will be playing for another ACB team, best luck there but better luck for Baskonia Vitoria !!!
Rt Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 4:50 pm
I think people forget that there a bunch of players in the NBA that have no business playing in the NBA. Just scour rosters and you will take note. However, these players were able to parlay a livelihood in the NBA with team’s belief in upside or a short stretch of great basketball or having a savvy agent. This is when having a skilled agent comes into play for a bunch of these players getting a job in the NBA. Do you really think Brian Scalabraine or Luke Walton or Jerome James or Robert Swift or Sun Yue (and so on) are better than most players in Europe?
Having said that, the good ones make their way back if they want (ie. Anthony Parker). Though I appreciate the story, Mickeal is probably right. If he played in the NBA, he probably would be a 10th or 11th man making the verteran minimum. In Barcelona, he’s a rotation player who will be paid well (more than the vet minimum). So, I understand his view point. I would rather play and get paid than get paid and sit on the bench waiting for garbage time.
Good luck in Barcelona. It’s always nice to hear about former college players doing well overseas.
spinalscratch Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 7:00 pm
Hi Pete!
Nice words. I’m from Barcelona, and obviously a supporter of Barça, and I really aprecciate what you tried to explain with this post.
I love NBA, but i also love ACB. ¿Why should I choose when I can have both?
I feel really confident with the team of this year. I’m very excited with Pete, Morris and Ndong joining to the squad. What a shame that Ersan or Andersen couldn’t stay.
I’m sure that you are going to have a very important role in the team.
Good Luck Pete. See you soon in Barcelona.
Trott Felipe Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 7:25 pm
GetlikeMe, who in the world doesn’t understand that the game is becoming global?
“Peace”,
Larsh 2.0
Trott Felipe Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 7:27 pm
What we really need is to find a way for the dollar to start whooping the euro’s ass. That looks grim in the short-term though.
Matt Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 8:10 pm
The ACB is the 2nd best league in the world, and has been for a long time. There is no shame playing in that league and I know a lot of guy who make a lot of money doing it. I lived over there for 6 months and it was the best time of my life, people who haven’t left the US don’t understand what life is like over there.
How would you like your work day to look like this:
Work 10 am to 1 pm
Nap from 1 to 4 pm
Work from 4 to 7 pm
Eat at 11 pm, go to bed at 2am.
Now, I never went to bed at 2 am because I was a maniac and partied all the time, but nonetheless, there is something to be said about living a life where you aren’t bound to capitalism. There isn’t the prevailing stress that I wake up with everyday before I leave my home to go make money. It’s a different life and I miss it badly.
James Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 8:41 pm
The only thing the NBA is better than Euroleague is the Starters.
Aside from the NBA starters, the other players are the same level of Euroleague
Josh Childress was a 6th man in NBA, in Europe he was also a role player.
He had bascially the same stats as in NBA
hoopscoop Said,
August 1, 2009 @ 12:13 am
@luke
This is utterly nonsense, there is no bearing with the real world where you living in.
First I am European and a basketball fanacic for more than 24 years and yes I knew Mickael from his days as a undervalued member of the Cincinnati bearcats. He was a great, great collegeplayer, but look he is a 6-5 guy with not one singular skill that is on level for an NBA shooting guard, none whatsoever. Ballhandling, shooting, passing, floorgame, footspeed, eye-hand coordination, you name it. Basically he was always a power forward in a body of a wing. Every scout knew that, but on merit as a college player he was drafted and made the initial roster of the Mavs, never played, he made the Knicks, never played, he made the Rockets preseason roster, but was waived 10 days later. There is not one, only one NBA executive who believes that Mickael could play in the NBA.
Hank Said,
August 1, 2009 @ 1:36 am
Gerard –
“Hank and Charles don’t be TOO AMERICAN. If there is one thing that the Europeans hate about americans is that feeling of beeing the king of the hill.”
Euros hate americans regardless of what we say or do, so why should we care? I’m talking hoops not politics, so save your birdbrained poli-sci b.s. for the next UN summit.
And to the NBA haters: I bet y’all rather watch slow pitch Greek softball than major league baseball too right??
Poli Said,
August 1, 2009 @ 3:54 am
Hello, Pete,
it is really nice that an american player (and person) talks about European basketball in this way.
Thank you.
I am a great FC Barcelona fan and I am sure you will enjoy your game a lot this year. Hopefully we can sign Ricky to, but may be we still need another 4 man.
What do you think? Have you got a favourite for that spot? Would you just leave it to Terrence and Jordi Trias?
Isaac Said,
August 1, 2009 @ 5:54 am
Hey, this is a Barça & Celtics fan from Barcelona. Nice article, but i think you missed a point.
Besides money and reputation and stuff, it is also true that adaptation or re-adaptation to another basketball is also important. I mean, we’ve seen a lotta times here in europe, very good nba role players (nowadays you could think about cris andersen, gortat, glen davis,…) that would fail in europe because here they would be asked to be the man, an offensive reference where they are not used to.
You can see the opposite example too. Star players in europe that cannot get used to just play 15 minutes with the second unit and shoot from the corner. Some players like Luis Scola can get through that, but i wonder if Andersen or Ilyasova will do the same thing….
In your case, apart from the reasons you said, i think this point is also very important. You have a well deserved status in ACB and EL. Maybe, you are not on the level of big names in spanish leagues, but if there is a step closer to that, i think you are there. I’m not talking about efficiancy or a quality/salary ratio, which perhaps is higher in your case that in some of the stars i meant.
In Barcelona we love players that hustle and fight from minute 1 to 40, 20 points up or down. So i think you are a great adquisition and get our love very soon.
Good luck Pete!
Jonas Said,
August 1, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
Yes. I did see the Olympic final vs Spain. The US won. Mmmmm yaaaaaa.
alex Said,
August 1, 2009 @ 9:58 pm
For a average or below average nba player eurobasketball is a good decision because your prolly better than the majority of the players over there thus youll get more money in europe, but for someone like ricky rubio its a bad decision in my eyes. If he comes now, in 4 years he’ll prolly be making a ton of money, however if he waits it out then hes just prolonging that 4 yr rookie deal, if he comes undrafted he’ll definitely be lowballed.
Ball in Europe – European Basketball Blog » Blog Archive » Best of the (basketball) net: Week of August 1 Said,
August 2, 2009 @ 1:26 am
[...] Over at Hoops Hype, FC Barcelona’s Pete Mickael considers the Ricky Rubio situation, suggesting that “Europe Can Be a Great Career Choice.” [...]
Ixone Said,
August 3, 2009 @ 4:32 am
I’m a Baskonia supporter and when you played in Baskonia I liked you a lot. Now you are going to play for the Barcelona…but that isn`t important for me…I will continue loving and cheering you although you play for the opposing team. BECAUSE YOU ARE A WINNER.
You love the ball and you don`t leave it without scoring fisrt! You enjoy each second that you are on the court, you enjoy every free throw, you enjoy every sound of the ball when it bounces against the floor, you enjoy every move and play to the max, without leaving detail! You have shown that you don`t give up, that you are strong, that you fight, that you know winning and losing when the team loses…but although you lose…you lose after you have fight for winning the match…after you have defenced your team…you have shown respect and that you live the colours of you team!
For me…you will always be…BASKONISTA !
Thank you for everything!!!
P.S: I´m from Vitoria…so my english is not very well…what i have written is a little part of something I wrote in Spanish…so I have tried to translate it…If you don´t understand something…I am sorry….
GOODBYE!!
Gerard Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 6:40 am
Hank, you are wrong and, I hope, one day you will see what out of your sight. It’s impossible to know about everything but if you know differents things you will understand that the point isn’t rank them but enjoy of the little differents things that can give you.
I’m not talking politics, just stop playing movies because is not the way to see the world.
What is a better spectacle Circus or the Theatre?
Doug Said,
August 5, 2009 @ 12:28 pm
I’m glad you’re happy in Barcelona Pete, it’s a little bit nicer than Rock Island.
In regards to David Kahn, I don’t think Kahn meant that he isn’t worried about competing with a EuroTeam to hire Ricky, I think he means that he’s genuinely ok with Ricky staying in Europe for another year, or even two. Unless he takes an entire year off, the Wolves would still have him for 4 years, and (and this is my interpretation) I’d rather have Ricky from 20-24 than 18-22. The buyout situation is out of Kahn’s hands. There’s a limit on what the Wolves can pay towards the buyout so . . . .
RockLa Said,
August 5, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
First and foremost getting paid to play a game anywhere is freakin awesome! Bottom line—the NBA is too athletic, too fast and too demanding for most of the Euroleague players. Thats why they’re playing in the Euroleague. NBA gm’s have gambled big on Euro talent, and usually it doesn’t work out. Perfect example, Darko Milicic was supposedly a phenom coming out of Europe, but when he got to the NBA he couldn’t put all those “amazing technical skills” together to even contribute to his teams. You can have all the technical skill possible, but it won’t do you any good if you can barely keep up let alone get a shot off against your competition.
Y parra los espanoles, la mejor cosa que tienen en su pais son las mujeres. La comida es bassurra y la jente son demasiado arrogante
v Said,
August 5, 2009 @ 11:11 pm
darko averaged 12pts and 8 boards in 23 minutes in his season with orlando..he justs needs the right team to fit his skills..give him 40 minutes, hes a 20/10 guy..plus look at his blocks..nearly 2 every season..look out for him in mike d’antoni’s system, plus check him out at the world champs a few years ago..he can still play, just needs a very specific team..
Isaac Said,
August 6, 2009 @ 8:03 am
Who supposed darko was great? He was completly unknown for euro fans… don’t blame european basketball because of nba gm’s incapacity…
A lot of us prospects have crashed too in nba….
STEPHON Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 6:24 am
lil brother it’s good to always see the best in our family in you. you constantly stay my motivation to do and be more. keep doing what you doing..