The offseason has been full of surprises lately with new rules, top players changing NBA teams, and of course, NBA players looking to play overseas. Here are a couple of updates on NBA players looking to play overseas:
Leopards acquire NBA veteran in Jared Sullinger
Many NBA players this offseason are having a hard time finding a team for the next regular season and some are already looking to play overseas. This offseason we have seen a number of NBA players signing contracts overseas like Ryan Kelly, Norris Cole, JJ Hickson, Dominiques Jones, Ty Lawsons, Terrence Jones, and Jamaal Franklin.
David Pick has just reported that Jared Sullinger will join that list as he joins the Shenzhen Leopards in china with a two month, 300 thousand dollar deal. Jared Sullinger has been struggling with weight and injuries and ever since his one year, six million dollar deal, with the Toronto Raptors last season. He has been having a hard time landing an NBA team this offseason.
Jared Sullinger entered the NBA in the offseason of 2012 as he was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 21st overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He played really well in his rookie season but a much-needed surgery on his lumbar disc on February 1, 2013, ended his rookie season. He continued his career with the Boston Celtics for the next couple of years and he almost averaged a double-double.
He averaged around 10 points and 8 rebounds in 2015. In the offseason of 2016, the Boston Celtics did not extend their qualifying offer and Sullinger signed with the Toronto Raptors on a one year, six million dollar deal.
On October 24 he had a screw inserted into his fifth metatarsal in his left foot which caused him to miss half of the season.
When he came back he played a couple of games but he was assigned to the NBA D-League before being traded to the Phoenix Suns for PJ Tucker and cash considerations. Jared Sullinger had career averages of 10.8 points, 0.6 blocks, 0.7 steals, 1.8 assists, and 7.5 rebounds. He shot 43.6 percent from the field, 27.2 percent from beyond the arc, and 72.3 percent from the free throw line.
This offseason he will try to continue his career in China.
China seems to be favored by most NBA players
Many past and current NBA players have played overseas, especially those players that had a hard time landing on an NBA team. It has been observed that most NBA players going to play overseas are likely playing in China. These include the likes of Michael Beasley, Ty Lawson, Andre Blatche, JJ Hickson, Dominique Jones, and Jimmer Freddete. It may have something to do with the money as the China basketball league is willing to pay just to get NBA talent in their respective teams. The offseason has been crazy lately and a few players have already signed with Chinese teams.
