Former NBA center Daniel Theis said he rejected an offer from the New York Knicks before signing with AS Monaco in February. Speaking to Euro Insiders, the German veteran explained that head coach Tom Thibodeau saw him as insurance while Mitchell Robinson recovered from injury. “If I stayed through the end of the season and didn’t play, what would my summer look like? I thought going to Europe would give me a better chance,” he said, adding that a call from Monaco coach Vassilis Spanoulis helped seal the move.
Theis, who suited up for six NBA teams, also described the toll of constant trades. He likened roster shuffling to swapping Panini stickers and noted the strain on his family when he had to relocate within days of a deal.
EuroBasket outlook
Germany men’s head coach Alex Mumbru told Spain’s EFE news agency that, despite his team’s NBA-heavy roster, he views Serbia and France as the leading contenders at this summer’s EuroBasket. “We have good players and we’re going there to compete seriously, but I believe Serbia and France are the strongest,” he said.
Doncic, Milan at odds over player availability
Luka Doncic claimed Vlatko Cancar and Josh Nebo were prevented from joining the Slovenian national team by their club, Olimpia Milan. “From what I understand, the club didn’t allow them to come,” the Dallas Mavericks star told the Dallas Hoops Journal.
Milan general manager Christos Stavropoulos issued a statement disputing that assertion, saying the decision was made collaboratively while both players recover from serious injuries. “Their health has always been—and will remain—our top priority,” he said, outlining a gradual return-to-play plan.
With elite talent spread across the field, longtime observer Aris Barkas called the upcoming EuroBasket a can’t-miss event, ranking it only behind the Olympics among international basketball tournaments.
Source: HoopsRumors
