gpikeD-Williams to play in Turkey if lockout not resolved
July 8th 2011 02:27
New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams signed a one-year deal with Turkey club Besiktas for five million. Williams will play in Turkey if the NBA can't get their act together in this lockout.
Besiktas briefly had Allen Iverson last season, so they are no stranger to NBA quality players. A news conference is expected to come soon with Besiktas head coach Ergin Ataman and team President Serif Yalcin joining Williams in New York next week. Williams is expected to report to Besiktas in late August if an agreement hasn't been made, and will be able to leave at any time.
Williams needs a letter of clearance from FIBA, which is the sports governing body, to play overseas. Though the NBA Players Association is willing to fight any attempt by the NBA owners or FIBA to prevent players from leaving. An added risk of getting injured in Turkey is possible for Williams. He was out part of last season after suffering a right wrist injury.
Ataman and Besiktas is also close to signing Zaza Pachulia, a backup center who plays for Atlanta. Pachulia has a Turkish passport, even though he is from the country of Georgia. This will keep Beskitas from needing a roster spot. Expect more players like Williams and Pachulia to make their ways overseas as this lockout drags on.
Besiktas briefly had Allen Iverson last season, so they are no stranger to NBA quality players. A news conference is expected to come soon with Besiktas head coach Ergin Ataman and team President Serif Yalcin joining Williams in New York next week. Williams is expected to report to Besiktas in late August if an agreement hasn't been made, and will be able to leave at any time.
Williams needs a letter of clearance from FIBA, which is the sports governing body, to play overseas. Though the NBA Players Association is willing to fight any attempt by the NBA owners or FIBA to prevent players from leaving. An added risk of getting injured in Turkey is possible for Williams. He was out part of last season after suffering a right wrist injury.
Ataman and Besiktas is also close to signing Zaza Pachulia, a backup center who plays for Atlanta. Pachulia has a Turkish passport, even though he is from the country of Georgia. This will keep Beskitas from needing a roster spot. Expect more players like Williams and Pachulia to make their ways overseas as this lockout drags on.
Deron Williams will play in Turkey if the lockout is not cleared
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