NBA Draft 2011: Valanciunas Buyout Done, Still Won't Play in NBA Until 2012-13
By on June 25, 2011
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NBA Draft 2011: Valanciunas Buyout Done, Still Won't Play in NBA Until 2012-13
With the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors took the second center off the board in 7'0" Lithuanian Jonas Valanciunas.
Some actually feel that Valanciunas may end up being the best center from this year's class, but he had a messy buyout situation that possibly made teams wary of bringing him in with a lofty pick.
According to the Toronto Sun, the Raptors have already resolved that messy situation and have a buyout in place with Valanciunas's Lithuanian team Rytas. The big man was on a three-year contract with the overseas squad, but will now be able to play in the league after next year.
He'll spend the 2011-12 season working on his game and adding some strength and bulk to his frame.
With Valanciunas on the team, the Andrea Bargnani rumors are certain to start swirling again. As a seven-footer with range and versatility, the former No. 1 pick would certainly attract some attention in the trade market.
You can follow Andy Bailey on Twitter @Andy_Bailey
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