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>http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111130/SPORTS/111300333/-1/NEWSMAP
>
>
>Singler opts to stay in Spain
>
>By Tim Trower
>Mail Tribune
>
>Kyle Singler has adapted so well to his lifestyle in Spain
>that he's decided to stay awhile.
>
>The former South Medford High and Duke University star
>basketball player has reached an agreement to join another
>Spanish professional team, Real Madrid, and finish out the
>European season rather than return to play for the Detroit
>Pistons when the NBA lockout is lifted.
>
>Singler's agent, Greg Lawrence of Wasserman Media Group,
>confirmed the agreement Tuesday afternoon and said Singler
>would sign a contract shortly, "if he didn't do it before he
>went to bed last night."
>
>Spain is nine hours ahead of West Coast time.
>
>Details of the deal haven't been divulged, but a report says
>it's for $900,000 and covers the rest of this season.
>
>Singler was a second-round selection in the June draft by the
>Pistons. He signed with Lucentum Alicante in August with the
>stipulation that he'd be released from his contract if the NBA
>reopened for business.
>
>NBA owners and players reached a tentative agreement Saturday
>on a collective bargaining agreement to end the 149-day
>lockout. It still must be ratified by owners and players, but
>plans are for camps to open Dec. 9 and the league to have a
>66-game season.
>
>Singler has been one of the stars in the ACB League, leading
>Lucentum with averages of 15 points and 47-percent shooting.
>The 6-foot-8 forward has averaged 3.6 rebounds while helping
>Lucentum to a 6-3 record, two games behind co-leaders Real
>Madrid and Regal FC Barcelona.
>
>The uncertainty of what lies ahead in Detroit and the appeal
>of playing for Real Madrid, one of the world's top
>professional clubs, were primary factors in Singler's
>decision.
>
>"They put together a very, very appealing package for him,"
>said Lawrence. "When the discussions first started, there was
>a ton of uncertainty about what was going to happen with the
>NBA season. What it really comes down to is Kyle went over
>there to play because of the lockout and fell in love with
>Spain. He really enjoyed the team, enjoyed the basketball and
>enjoyed living there."
>
>Indeed, Singler writes regularly in blogs and on Facebook
>about how great the fans are and about his interest in delving
>into the culture, particularly the food part of it.
>
>There are Facebook pictures of him whipping up meals, and he
>asks for suggestions on what dishes he should try. In one
>entry, he and teammates are cooking omelettes and tortillas.
>
>"Can't you tell I have some experience in the kitchen," he
>writes, then adds, "I rock the chef hat nicely!"
>
>Fans have gushed about him on various website forums, compared
>him to Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks and expected him
>to lead Lucentum to greatness.
>
>Now it'll be perennial power Real Madrid looking for the same
>thing.
>
>The team's interest in Singler rose when it became clear one
>of its stars, former Portland Trail Blazer Rudy Fernandez,
>would return to his current team, the Mavericks, when the
>lockout ends.
>
>There had been reports out of Spain that Fernandez wanted to
>stay in Madrid. He signed a long-term contract with Real
>Madrid this past summer that would allow him to return there
>when his NBA obligations were met after this season.
>
>A source, however, told the website that Fernandez fully
>intends to honor his Mavericks pact.
>
>Real Madrid also has the Oklahoma City Thunder's Serge Ibaka
>and other players with NBA experience on its roster.
>
>Lawrence wouldn't confirm the amount of the contract but said
>it's "a very lucrative offer," adding that, "it's fair to say
>he'll net a lot more than he'd get in the NBA by taking this
>deal."
>
>NBA contracts will be worth 80 percent of what they otherwise
>would have been because 20 percent of the 82-game schedule was
>wiped out. Moreover, the majority of European contracts are
>tax-free, according to Yahoo! Sports writer Adrian
>Wojnarowski, who originally reported the Singler deal and the
>dollar figure.
>
>Wojnarowski noted that last season's 33rd overall pick — the
>same as Singler — was Hassan Whiteside of the Sacramento
>Kings, and he played for $730,437 as a rookie.
>
>Lucentum and other teams were interested in Singler as well,
>said Lawrence.
>
>Singler will soon report to Real Madrid. After the season,
>Lawrence said, they'd evaluate the situation and determine the
>next step.
>
>"He's still looking to have a long career with Detroit," said
>Lawrence.
>
>The Pistons are high on Singler, according to Wojnarowski, and
>sent front-office staff members to scout him in Spain. General
>Manager Joe Dumars and head coach Lawrence Frank couldn't have
>contact with Singler or his agent.
>
>Greg Lawrence had a chance to watch Singler play and was
>impressed.
>
>"He's played great over there," said Lawrence, adding that the
>European game suits him well because it's less individualized
>and relies on players sharing the ball and running sets.
>
>"Kyle's not a selfish player," said Lawrence. "He works well
>in a system. He's not the type of player where, if he's not
>scoring, he doesn't give you much. He'll give you a lot of
>things every single game. He fits in very well."
>
>Reach sports editor Tim Trower at 541-776-4479, or email
>ttrower@mailtribune.com
---
But hell, what do I know?
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