Nenad Krstic won't be coming back to Boston next season. For the Celtics, that's bad news, but looking at it from the lanky 7-foot Serbian's perspective, it makes perfect sense.
Krstic has a two-year deal worth 6 million euros to return to Russia and play for CSKA Moscow, abruptly ending his time in Boston after only three months. It's his second time playing in Russia, as the big man also had a brief stint with Triumph Lyubertsy in 2008.
Now's a good time to go back.
Krstic is about to turn 28 years old, and he's wrapping up a three-year NBA contract split between the Celtics and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He's passing his prime and entering the second act of his career. This is a turning point.
The decision was an easy one if you break it down — does he stay in the U.S., where all is uncertain for himself, his team and the entire league? Or does he go back to Russia and take the sure thing?
By leaving, Krstic dodges the messy lockout that's no doubt awaiting the NBA this summer. We may miss a large chunk of next season, or even the whole thing, if David Stern and his players can't agree to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement. Krstic is running out of prime seasons, and he can't afford to waste one now with no contract and no earning potential.
He also gets a significant amount of guaranteed money. Six million euros comes out to about $8,719,802. Krstic made $15.5 million over the last three years. Russia's Professional Basketball League (PBL) often pays its best players with more than a base salary — think house, car, taxes. Add it all up, and Krstic's getting a raise.
Krstic's role in the NBA has gradually decreased with time. He came into the league as a legit rising star, averaging 16.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game with the Nets in his third season. Then he was a starter in Oklahoma City, but massively overshadowed by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Then came Boston, where he began as a starter but gradually slid to the end of the bench by playoff time.
In Russia, he gets to snap out of this downward spiral and begin a new career for himself. He'll be a star again. He'll be closer to home. He'll get plenty of minutes and plenty of respect. And he'll be playing for the defending PBL champions.
There's been buzz all season that NBA players would do this, leaving the NBA for other gigs abroad, if this lockout presented a real threat to their careers. Krstic is a perfect example of why it makes sense.
As for the Celtics, they're in trouble now. They've already lost one big man (Shaquille O'Neal) to retirement, and likely another (Glen Davis) in free agency. Now Krstic. They're left with Jermaine O'Neal and not much else. With Krstic, they had a chance to exercise his Bird rights and pick up a quality big man despite being over the salary cap. Now, no dice.
It'll be a tough offseason for the Celtics. But Nenad Krstic's summer just got a lot more interesting.
