Memphis Grizzlies’ point guard Nick Calathes had a fairly up-and-down rookie season, the ups certainly outweighed the downs, at least until Calathes was suspended for 20 games for violating the NBA’s Anti-Drug policy.
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In fact, Calathes was even named the NBA’s Rookie of the Month in February when he averaged 10.7 points, 4.6 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game.
However, Calathes has expressed a desire to leave the NBA in favor of a return to Greece, where he plays for the Greek national team.
Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Grizzlies are unlikely to let Calathes go after failing to find an upgrade at the position.
Memphis must stamp '14-15 guarantee today to keep Nick Calathes - who wants an out for Greece - but unlikely Griz let him go, sources say.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 15, 2014
Memphis has tried to acquire what it felt would be upgrade on Calathes to accommodate him, but has been unable, sources tell Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 15, 2014
The point guard market is definitely drying up, but there are still a few solid options. Both Jameer Nelson and Mo Williams, among others, remain available.
Calathes was selected in the second round with the 45th overall pick in 2009 after playing for the Florida Gators. Calathes opted to play overseas, enjoying stints with both Panathinaikos B.C. in Greece and PBC Lokomotiv-Kuban in Russia after the draft before returning to America to play in the NBA this year. Last season, he averaged 4.9 points, 2.9 assists, 1.9 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 45.7% from the field, 31.1% form beyond the arc and 61.1% from the free throw line.