By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
CSKA Moscow announced on Friday morning the departure of Sammy Mejia from the team, something almost natural after the signing of Aaron Jackson in their backcourt. Two more player, though, are ready to… defect from Russia to the NBA.
We are not referring to Andrei Kirilenko who hasn’t made up his mind yet, but to Andrey Vorontsevich and Alexey Shved (photo). Vorontsevich, a 24 years old forward, is heading to Oklahoma City Thunder, where former CSKA Moscow player and assistant coach David Vanderpool is now the head of scouting.
Shved, also 24 years old, had a break out season and he is in talks with two NBA teams, according to sources from Russia. His decision to leave CSKA Moscow may have to do with his turbulent relationship with coach Ettore Messina from his previous tenure in the team (you can read the details here).
Even if they lose those two players, CSKA will still be the favorite to win next season Euroleague. The Russian team is by far the biggest spender in the old continent and they could still have in their arsenal an AK-47. Kirilenko is still undecided about his future, even though many times he had declared his desire to return to NBA.