Might You Want This Guy? (Nocioni)

[ABM]

If so, what would it take?

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=16447

There has been talk for almost a year now about Portland Trail Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez being unhappy in Portland. In every interview state-side Fernandez plays the diplomatic card, but whenever the interview comes from Spain the rhetoric is much louder about him wanting out (well, at least the translations are).

Earlier this week Toronto Raptors forward Hedo Turkoglu talked about wanting out of Toronto, possibly even to play in Europe, though it's doubtful he'd be willing to give up the money left on his contract.

Now it's Andres Nocioni's turn. According to a Q&A on Ole Basquet (in Spanish, but translated by our friends at HoopsHype), Nocioni says he has told the Sacramento Kings he wants out – and they, apparently, have told him "OK."

"I openly told the Kings that I wasn't going to stay. They told me they were OK with it and that they were going to try to trade me to a competitive team, probably on draft day... I have to wait."

Nocioni was then asked about a return to Europe.

"I wouldn't have any problem with a return to Europe. I don't dislike that, much to the contrary... I've been in the NBA six years and I was never crazy about playing there (in the NBA). It's not like Luis Scola or Manu Ginobili, who always dreamed about it."

For a player who was never crazy about playing in the NBA, Nocioni has spent six seasons here. The first four-and-a-half years were with the Chicago Bulls, before he became part of the trade that sent center Brad Miller to the Bulls at the 2009 trade deadline. He also signed a six-year, $44.5 million contract in 2007. He's under contract to the NBA for three more years and $23 million (the final season is a team option).

Quite the commitment for a guy who doesn't want to be here; of course, money is a powerful motivator.

For trade purposes it's worth noting Nocioni counts for $7.5 million through the draft, but then $6.85 million in July; his contract scales down the next two seasons, before jumping back up to $7.5 million in the option year. It should also be mentioned he won't be allowed to return to Europe as a free agent unless he agrees to a significantly decreased buyout with the Kings. Because FIBA honors NBA contracts, he won't be allowed to discuss a contract with a team from Europe.

His best role is probably as a sixth man on a contender rather than as a starter on a weaker team.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I've been in the NBA six years and I was never crazy about playing there (in the NBA). It's not like Luis Scola or Manu Ginobili, who always dreamed about it."

Prior to reading that quote, I would have said absolutely. To me, he's exactly the kind of player you want coming off your bench. That sentence, however, dampens my enthusiasm for him just a tad.

 

[jlprk]

If translators become any less skilled, the world will slide into war. I can't wait for computers to replace them.

His actions bely his supposed words. He has always been an energy player and a fan favorite. Yeah, I'd take him. But paying Rudy is too much for him alone. So it won't happen.

 

[julius]

So, you want to know if we should take a player who never really dreamed about playing here and wants to go back to Europe?

Sign me up! I want more players on the Blazers who want to play elsewhere.

 

[THE HCP]

No thanks!

 

[Nikolokolus]

I'd rather get the clap

 

[julius]

I'd rather get the clap

I'm sure HCP can help you with that goal.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I'm sure HCP can help you with that goal.

His wife already did.