By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
While Nick Calathes is a target of many European teams, his transfer to Europe from the NBA may be much more complex that it seems or almost undo-able, while he may also miss the upcoming FIBA World Cup, because of his suspension.
At first, most European media, specially in Greece, believed that since Hedo Turkoglu was punished with a similar suspension and then played in Eurobasket 2013, Calathes wouldn’t face a problem outside the NBA. Still the situation is quite different. Turkoglu has served his suspension before playing in Europe, while Calathes still has a ban for 13 games.
So there’s no precedent in his case and at this point no one can be sure about his future and how his ban may affect him. According to sources with knowledge of this delicate matter, Calathes is still considered suspended and since FIBA is working is coalition with WADA, in theory he would have to be punished according to the much more strict WADA rules if he signs with a European club, or plays in the upcoming FIBA World Cup. Tamoxifen, the substance that caused his punishment is also prohibited by WADA and that means that if Calathes crosses the pond he may end up with a much heavier punishment than the 20 games ban imposed by the NBA. The worst case scenario is a two years ban which will started counting from the day he was tested positive.
At this point, according to the same sources, there’s no final verdict on his case, however if he stayed in the NBA and served there his punishment in the upcoming season, he would be free of further consequences in Europe. The Greek federation supports the player and hopes that he would be eligible to play in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.