Childress a four year NBA vet averaged 11.0 points, 1.8 assists, and a miniscule 0.5 steals per game as a member of the Atlanta Hakws. At best he was a solid bench player in the NBA, in Europe he is already being called an American "Superstar."
If Childress is being viewed as a superstar imagine what Kobe Bryant and LeBron James would be. Basketball gods? Immortal hoopsters? Whatever they'd be viewed as, one thing is for sure, they would be rolling in cash.
James and Bryant have both claimed they would definitely consider playing in Europe once they become free agents in 2010, and how could you blame them? They'd be nuts if they at least didn't look into playing for $50 million A YEAR! That's right, rumor has it that James and Bryant's opening negotiations would start in the 45-50 million dollar range.
Because European leagues do not have a salary cap they are free to toss around as much money as they would like to lure NBA stars.
It is a scary thought, losing the players who are currently donning the red,white, and blue in the Olympics to some team named the Olympiacos.
Who knows, maybe Bryant and James are just using this a negotiating platform for when they can receive new contracts in two seasons -- or maybe -- they are paving the way for the latest European fashion.
Only time will tell.
In other news former NBA forward Shawn Kemp reportedly signed a deal with the Italian team Premiata Montegranaro. The six-time all-star hasn't played since the 02-03 season.
Kemp has tried to make several comebacks in both the NBA and Rome, but has not been able to stick with a team.
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