Andray Blatche is coming off of a very solid season.
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Then veteran big man was asked to expand his role for the Brooklyn Nets last season after Brook Lopez suffered a season-ending injury and Kevin Garnett’s minutes (and games played) had to be severely limited. He performed well and hoped to cash in as a free agent.
Although teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat reportedly had some interest in Blatche, he couldn’t secure a deal and rumors began to swirl that he may be heading overseas.
According to David Pick of Euro Basket, One.co.il and Sportando, Blatche has indeed signed in China, inking a deal Xinjian.
According to source, Nets power forward Andray Blatche signed with Chinese club Xinjiang. Official memo release to follow ASAP.
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) September 20, 2014
NBA free agent Andray Blatche, I'm told, pens a lucrative $2M deal with Xinjiang over five-month season.
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) September 20, 2014
Although there have been reports of trouble in the locker room Blatche, this is a bit of a surprise. Of course, there have been players who have played through the Chinese season and then joined NBA teams, which could be Blatche’s plan.
Blatche averaged 11.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 47.6% from the field, 27.8% from beyond the arc and 74.2% from the charity stripe for the Nets last season. In his nine-year career, the 49th-overall pick in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft has averaged 10.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 46.7% from the floor, 23.7% from beyond the arc and 72.5% from the charity stripe.
Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.
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