GAINESVILLE -- The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted former Florida point guard Nick Calathes in the second round (45th overall) on Friday night with the team's fifth pick. Later Friday night, Calathes was traded to the Dallas Mavericks for a second-round 2010 draft pick and cash.
Calathes was one of five guards selected by the Timberwolves, which drafted Spanish guard Ricky Rubio fifth overall. Minnesota drafted former Syracuse guard Jonny Flynn sixth overall. While the Mavericks now hold the rights to sign Calathes to an NBA contract, it's unlikely the former Gators all-time single-season assists leader will play for the Mavs next season, if ever.
Calathes has already signed a two-year deal with Panathinaikos of Athens. The contract guarantees him $1.1 million per year with an option for a third season if Calathes stays in Europe rather than return to the U.S. Because Calathes was selected in the NBA's second round, where nothing is guaranteed, he could return to the U.S. in two years and negotiate an unrestricted free agent contract.
Where does all this news leave the Gators? Still searching for a point guard to replace Calathes, that's where. Florida had hoped to sign late commitment Lamont Jones before the fall semester but Jones recently committed to Arizona, according to reports.
That Florida has failed to land a point guard since Calathes' departure from the team is baffling. For now, the fate of the team's backcourt is in the small but skillful hands of sophomore guard Erving Walker.
-jo-
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LOL... Don't fret Gator fans there is always some players from Rikers Island. LOL.
Posted by: '87 Canes | June 26, 2009 at 04:51 AM
All kidding aside though, JO you do a pretty good job covering sports for these Gator fans.
Posted by: '87 Canes | June 26, 2009 at 06:29 AM
T'wolves traded him to the Mavericks.
Posted by: Adam S. | June 26, 2009 at 09:44 AM
All i know is that he isn't here, and he's playing in Greece next year no matter what, right?
Good luck to him.
Jo Goodman, sir: What happened to the former USC recruit "Mo Mo ____" who was considering Florida? Did that fall through?
worse come sto worse, Billy can give a scollie to Demarcus Beasley, who's apparently forgotten how to play soccer.
Posted by: RicoPallazzo! | June 26, 2009 at 11:20 AM
MoMo is going to Arizona, where his father is on staff.
Posted by: Adam S. | June 26, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Rico,
It's in the post.
-jo-
Posted by: Goody | June 26, 2009 at 12:34 PM
MoMo = Lamont
Wasn't aware of that.
Say, wasn't Werner an all-Galaxy PG out of Giuseppe Rossi Vocational Tech in New Jersey?
PROBLEM SOLVED!
Posted by: RicoPallazzo! | June 26, 2009 at 01:06 PM
LOL! Why Werner? Why not Parsons? Seriously, Ray Shipman better be working on his shooting confidence and dribbling skills this offseason.
-jo-
Posted by: Goody | June 26, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Calathes got drafted exactly where many realists said he would. Its funny they also said Nick was more attractive PRIOR to the draft by his Greece decision because an NBA team would not have to sign him. AFTER the draft his Greece decision cause him to slide.
I am not sure why UF couldn't get a PG either but I don't think there were many quality options by the time Nick had made his decision. I am not sure any of these recent options were the answer either.
Posted by: koclassic | June 26, 2009 at 03:01 PM