By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague star Khem Birch is set to become a free agent.
Birch, 31, will be placed on waivers by the San Antonio Spurs, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
The Montreal native was limited to one appearance and 11 minutes of action through the 2023 NBA Preseason. He went for four rebounds, two assists, and one block in the losing effort opposite the Houston Rockets on Monday.
Birch has spent the last six seasons displaying his talents in the league based in North America. He logged 298 games played, including 16 in the Playoffs between the Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic. Averaging 4.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 0.5 steals per contest paints a picture of a strong run.
Staying in the NBA remains a possibility, despite missing the cut for the 2023-24 Regular Season roster of the Spurs. However, returning to Europe can emerge among future options, especially considering EuroLeague teams in search of a late upgrade inside the paint.
The experienced Canadian center introduced himself to the Old Continent through Muratbey Usak Sportif in 2015-16, after focusing his first professional campaign in the G League as a leading player of Sioux Falls Skyforce. Productive showings propelled him to the EuroLeague and Olympiacos, resulting in 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game over 37 appearances in the 2016-17 edition of Europe’s premier club continental competition, before landing in the NBA.
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