link The NBA lockout is entering its 144th day and, as has happened throughout the process, more players are considering overseas options. On Sunday, SN learned that another NBA regular is heading to Europe—Rockets shooting guard Chase Budinger. Over the course of the last few months, Budinger has entertained offers from teams in France and Russia, but is now close to a contract with Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia. “Chase, obviously, wants to focus on the Rockets and fitting in with his teammates and the new coach, Kevin McHale,” said Kevin Bradbury, Budinger’s agent. “But everyone is aware of where things stand with the union and the league in negations so far. Working with the Rockets might take some time. So, a good contract in Europe is in his best interests.” Barring unforeseen obstacles, the contract should be agreed upon this week. Before deciding to go overseas, Budinger—the high school volleyball player of the year for 2006—had pledged to play volleyball during the lockout, unless he got a foreign contract. Well, he has gotten one. Budinger would be heading into his third NBA season out of Arizona. He averaged 9.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in 76 games for Houston last year, and remains a candidate for a starting spot on the wing. McHale, as a new coach, has promised to give younger players more opportunity, and Budinger figures to be among that mix.
Kevin Martin might also sign overseas. SpearsNBAYahoo Marc J. Spears Rockets Kevin Martin tells Y! while agent still talking to teams "it really has to be the right situation for me to consider going abroad.
He will struggle playing overseas...they will not call all those fouls he tries to draw over there. As for Chase, good for him..... DD
Of course. He's Superior athletisicim, quickness, shot and skills will be useless because the dont call fouls.You should work for ESPN DD
How good is the competition he will be facing? Hopefully, when we get a season, he will surprise us again as he did in his rookie year, a lot of us have been overlooking him since late last season, but after all Chase needs to learn a couple more things and get consistent enough if he wants to avoid being a bench player, which is what he is right now.
Actually he is our starting SF.....whenever the lockout ends. He became that when we traded Battier and did very well as a starter. DD
At first, then he went back to being inconsistent again. In my opinion, he was a very close 2nd to Chuck of being the weakest link in that starting line up.
Pretty good. The Russian League isn't Spain as far as competition, but it's up there in the second tier. Lokomotiv also plays in the VTB League & Eurocup, which isn't as tough as the Euroleague, but pretty much the next best thing. Remember, Motiejunas also plays in the VTB League, so we might see a Bud-D-Mo face-off.
HAHAHA!! Spread the cred! I think Bud's got a chance to play well. He's playing in the WHITEST league possible!
DD rooting for Chase? Oh god. Chase is going to get killed in some freak accident now. Every time DD roots for someone they just end up sucking big time.. V-Span, Brooks... now Chase?
If Chase is our starting SF, we are in a world of pain... Charmin... Kevin Martin+Chase Budinger The most Charmin wings since Mo Pete+Jalen Rose...
As well as a fan of Lowry, Scola, Kmart...any Rocket....but the reverse jinx is real.....everyone must fear it....... FEAR it !!! DD
