PROTECT THE PAINT

David Lee is the latest NBA player (joining Nate Robinson) in the NBA rumor mill who has reportedly received a viable offer from Greek basketball team Olympiacos CFP (spelled with a “c” anywhere else but the US).

"I will start a Greek Basketball riot up in here!" (Credit: picapp.com)

Josh Childress recently announced he was returning for a second tour of duty in Greece, while guard Jannero Pargo returned to the Chicago Bulls this season after finishing the year with Olympiacos. He started the 2008-09 season with Dynamo Moscow before they bought out his contract due to financial hardships. Why not support Olympiacos? They pay all the players taxes and agent fees of the contract. That’s correct, Josh Childress makes $20 million dollars out of a possible $20 million dollars. If you’re a capitalist, you gotta love this set-up.

"What, you mean to tell me you PAY your agent?" (Credit: picapp.com)

David Lee is a hot NBA commodity, far more so than Nate Robinson. Lee averaged more double-doubles last year than anyone else in the league. For him to not get the money he is asking for is ridiculous when players such as Andrew Bogut and Luol Deng earn $12 Million annually. The NBA, like life, isn’t always fair.

Lee has remained productive and healthy while outperforming both.

Nate Robinson is the more realistic candidate to join Olympiacos. Nate will not find anywhere near the cash stateside that he could earn in Greece. Olympiacos is rumored to be offering up $10 million for two years. His size and electrifying style of play would be tremendously entertaining to Olympiacos fans.

"Geez, I dunno, $10 million for 2 years is good coin." (Credit: picapp.com)

The biggest issue Robinson faces is his temperament. He could be a major distraction to any team, and playing overseas might not be the greatest place for him.

When compared to someone like Josh Childress, a model citizen and former Stanford player, life in Greece might be very hard for Nate.

He will be well-paid to be on his best behavior.

When you hear that Olympiakcs has endlessly-deep wallets, and rumored to prepare an offer to LeBron James in the $100 million for two years range, it makes you wonder: how much longer before these Euro teams force their way into the NBA?

When does the NBA go global? When will the first true “Greek-style” long distance riot break out between NBA and Euro NBA teams?

Rioting fans? Mound of Rebound can get down to basketball like that! (Credit: picapp.com)

Regardless when, one thing is for sure: I like this team. An Olympiacos fan is born!

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