Ancona-born forward Achille Polonara expanding his career beyond Italy landed him in Kirolbet/TD Systems Baskonia from 2019 to 2021. The next stop was in Turkey as a member of Fener. The last three seasons produced a total of 90 games played in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. “I am 31 years old, not that young anymore. Built my name in Europe,” he replied to a question about a potential move to the NBA, “There have been links to the NBA in the past but I did not want to travel to the other side of the ocean simply to watch other people play. I think it is very difficult to get an opportunity.”
Baskonia Rumors
Denver Nuggets guard Markus Howard is moving overseas as he has agreed to a deal with Baskonia. Howard, 23, spent the 2021-22 season on a two-way contract with the Nuggets and as Sports Illustrated notes, the team already has 15 players under contract for next season and didn’t have roster space to bring back any player from last season.
Vildoza, 25, who played for Baskonia of the Spanish League, signed a four-year, $13.6 million deal earlier this month. The final three years aren’t guaranteed. Vildoza’s second season becomes guaranteed the day after the season opener, The Post reported. He will make $3.5 million this season – minus his Spanish buyout. The signing costs the Knicks players a bonus of $200,000 because the team no longer is under the salary-cap minimum.
Timberwolves targeting Pierria Henry
Chema de Lucas: BREAKING: The Minnesota Timberwolves are targeting Pierria Henry. NBA interest for Henry was first reported by @webEncestando.
Following 335 NBA games, Nik Stauskas moved to EuroLeague and KIROLBET Baskonia last summer. He admittedly did not know what to expect, but a few months in his European career has spotted significant differences between the way of play in the Old Continent and the NBA. “The games here are very competitive” he said talking to gathered journalists ahead of the EuroLeague Regular Season Round 8 home match versus Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv, “I feel the defense here is a lot better.”
