By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nick Calathes is in talks with Zenit, according to Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
Calathes, 33, recently informed by FC Barcelona that he is not part of the plan for the 2022-23 season, can potentially become a free agent and thus decide on his next stop during the offseason. Being linked to Zenit resurfaces his connection to head coach Xavi Pascual and sports director Manos Papadopoulos. Both current members of the team based in Saint Petersburg worked with Calathes at Panathinaikos. In addition, he carries experience in the VTB United League from the 2012-13 season and the successful stint at Lokomotiv Kuban.
At Barca, Calathes became the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague all-time assists leader and generated 7.3 points, 6.4 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game in the 2021-22 edition of the EuroLeague. Averaging 6.3 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game illustrated his overall effort in Spain’s Liga Endesa last season.
Coming out of Florida in 2009, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him with the 45th overall pick of the NBA draft. Making it to the NBA four years later, drawing 139 appearances with the Memphis Grizzlies shaped his run in 2013-14 and 2014-15. He averaged 4.5 points, 2.7 assists, 1.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.1 blocks per contest.
Calathes turned pro in Greece playing for Panathinaikos. His first stint with the Greens stretched until 2012 and the second from 2015 to 2020. Moving on from the Greek powerhouse covering most of his professional career, he penned a three-year contract with Barcelona in July 2020.
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