Another Argentine to the NBA? A historic franchise would be in the footsteps of Luca Vildoza.
Another Argentine to the NBA? A historic franchise would be in the footsteps of Luca Vildoza. The base of Baskonia from Spain could join the arrivals of Facundo Campazzo and Gabriel Deck.
Argentina’s presence in the best league in the world continues to grow. After some seasons of absences of Albiceleste athletes after the retirement of Manu Ginobili, Facundo Campazzo landed in the Denver Nuggets, and a few days ago, the landing of Gabriel Deck in the Oklahoma City Thunder was confirmed. It is also worth noting that Pablo Prigioni is Chris Finch’s main assistant at the Minnesot Timberwolf, a franchise that he acquired via draft from Leandro Bolmaro (currently in Barcelona), and that the WNBA’s Indiana Fever opted for the Argentine Florencia Chagas.
However, before the end of the season, another national athlete could join. An article by Marc Berman in the New York Post reports that the New York Knicks, at the request of coach Tom Thibodeau, are looking for a hierarchical base to complete their roster.
Although the first option would be the CSKA Moscow point guard Mike James, who had an altercation with his coach Dimitris Itoudis and would have decided to change of scene, the Lithuanian journalist Donatas Urbonas contributed that the former Quilmes de Mar del Plata is the other option he has about the table the historic franchise. “I’ve ascertained that it’s not only Mike James, but Baskonia’s point guard Luca Vildoza is on the New York Knicks’ radar as well, wrote.
The Mar del Plata, Pan-American champion in Lima 2019 and world runner-up in China 2019 with the Argentine team, is one of the main figures of the Spanish team. The point guard won the ACB League last season, beating Barcelona, and was awarded the MVP Final.
Before this information came to light, Claudio Villanueva, representative of the base, left open the possibility of emigrating to the United States despite the fact that Luca is comfortable in Spain. He has a deal with Baskonia, two also years. And he is very comfortable in Vitoria. He is adapted, now his parents are there. Now, this is a professional sport, and this is adjusted to supply and demand. And more so considering that Baskonia may be interested in a commercial operation. Luca is fine, but if a good offer comes in, it will be heard. Although now, due to the situation in Europe, I do not see it. And the NBA? The NBA is the NBA, but for now, he is very happy. He will continue to fulfill his contract, and if something arrives, it will be analyzed”, he outlined in dialogue with Radio Marca.
“Campazzo, for example, was clear about it. And he’s one of the strongest heads I know. Luca is much calmer in this. If an opportunity comes, he will listen to her, but he is comfortable. For now, there is absolutely nothing. But this must be understood. Tomorrow the option may appear. Or it does not appear and will continue to fulfill the contract. Or a club appears that wants to pay for it. I have seen him very calmly. It’s all good, but this is a professional sport, “he added.
The Knicks, who in the past had Pablo Prigioni among their ranks, currently hold a record of 30 wins and 27 losses, which places them in the sixth position in the Eastern Conference, positions that grant a berth to the playoffs.