The lure of Europe fact and fiction (Splitter part)

[JPB]

By Ian Whittell
Special to ESPN.com

[...]
Fact or Fiction: The real problem facing NBA teams is the rookie salary cap as it applies to first-round draft picks.

FACT. And it is simple mathematics -- just ask the San Antonio Spurs and Tiago Splitter.

Even ignoring the fact that many leading young Euros have prohibitive buyouts in their contracts, the majority of which must be paid by the player himself, if a Euro has been taken in the first round, his NBA pay scale is set in stone and, therefore, problematic.

Not so in Europe, where anything goes. Splitter, a potentially brilliant Brazilian forward, was taken 28th in the first round by the Spurs in 2007 but -- despite being expected in Texas this summer -- re-signed for two years with leading Spanish club Tau Ceramica, reportedly for eight times what San Antonio could pay him.

The moral of the story? If you're a promising young Euro, hope you get drafted in the second round, which carries with it no salary scale, and start a bidding war between your Euro club and your NBA team.

[JPB]

It will be harder and harder, if not impossible, to land a valuable euro player in the future through the draft.

Or it will be very young players (18 or 19) who are very good prospects who are dreaming of the NBA, are too young to really consider money issues yet but who won't be able to produce from day one.

And, with all the scouts over the world, the diamond in the rough story is over now.

[wisnub]

Before...Spurs advantage is overseas draft. But now it's over. No more Parker and Ginobili. If overseas draft already got a contract, then most likely his club will throw amazing deals to keep them. Even Josh Childress went to Greece. Who could resist 3 year $20 million net (housing,lving,tax expense already paid by the club) not to mention instant superstar status at Greece. Splitter got offer long term contractrs 8 times better than SA, with power of Euro even dumb person will choose TAU over SA with that kindda money. Brandon Jennings, a high school superstar who ESPN believed to be future no 1 pick, is going to Italy and with sky as a salary cap limit...him and his mum will definitely choose the money.
It is known that overseas billionaire dont give a about income from his club compare to satisfaction from winning games. Its really sad that Holt really loved income from operating under luxury tax, and every single season we try to get players with limited amount of budget and still lost on bidding player (example: CM). We are ing pathetic. Overseas billionaire really got amazing deep pocket. Dont believe me? Look at Real Madrid (Soccer) and u'll see how crazy they buy 1st pick and star all over the place. Their club net worth is really insane. Greece billionaire owner of Olympiakos is also rumored to eyes on James although its not confirmed. That very same owner didnt care to spend millions on Josh and didnt get enough return club. He just want to see his club humiliate rival town team and laugh them to death. Now that is what real rich people do.

European basketball also improve alot and the fact is team USA Basketball now required 3 year commitments, long extensive training as well as play 100%. They even invite US soldier to teach team about selfless service and focus. Last Olympic USA Basketball full with NBA superstars fall against Greece. Greece for crying out loud!!!! Its not even Argentina or Spain. It is really different back then on Dream Team day. Practiced for less than a month and then blow out the entire world. More and more NBA Superstar comes from overseas background. TP,Manu,Gasol,Dirk,Yao etc....list goes on and on. Im not surprised to see more NBA players and superstar playing overseas if the trend continue.

Europe has become a basketball powerhouse and in Splitter case, I really hate to see how the drama ends......