PROTECT THE PAINT

Linas Kleiza and Von Wafer are two more players who will join Josh Childress overseas in Greece this season. Both players agreed to sign contracts with Greek basketball team Olympiacos CFP.

Protect the Paint covered the topic of NBA defection when David Lee and Nate Robinson were rumored to be considering offers from Olympiacos. It appears this is going to be an enduring trend for years to come.

The current state of legislation and NBA rules rendering mass High School ineligibility could help this manifestation sooner than later.

Due to his disruptive antics that eventually resulted in him being tossed from playoff game by Rick Adelman, Wafer would not likely have been re-signed by Houston.

He burned his bridges, and yet turned a somewhat surprising 9.7 points while shooting 44.7 percent into $4.2 million over 2 years in Greece.

Perhaps a couple years in Europe will help him mature. Perhaps not. Regardless, Wafer will not be giving an NBA team headaches this year.

He has an opt out clause allowing him to return to the NBA after his first year in Greece.

Can you say "Getting Paid?" I can. (Credit: picapp.com)

The Nuggets lost a solid reserve from the roster who made it into the Western Conference Finals last season. Kleiza has the size, skills, and tough style of play to contribute in the NBA. He was consistent and productive with the 22 minutes per game he played last year.

Wait til you see how I rock my Olympiacos digs.... (Credit: picapp.com)

The fact is, Kleiza is worth nowhere near $12 million over 2 years in the NBA. He might believe he is, but 9.9 points and four rebounds while shooting 44.7 percent is not worth $6 million a year in the NBA.

Who does he think he is? Brian Cardinal?

One must wonder if Olympiacos executives are pacing and contemplating when their team will be strong enough to battle NBA teams. It appears they are on a destined course towards NBA vs. Euroleague competition.

The NBA always snatches their players. Why not return the favor?

I mean, if the Euroleague put together an all Euro team in the NBA, inclusive of current NBA euro talent, how many NBA games would they win?

Think hard before you come to your final answer.

I tell you this much, if within my power to be there, I will be. And I will be sporting this:

Get me more NBA players up here in Greece!

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