Besiktas is now 8-1 in combined EuroChallenge and TBL play, thanks to Deron’s 50-point explosion in yesterday’s 105-94 victory over BC Goettingen, and they’re craving more talent. Signees Deron Williams & Semih Erden notwithstanding, the club has reportedly pursued Carlos Boozer, Kobe Bryant, Luol Deng, Kevin Durant, and Kevin Love — and those are just the ones we know about. (While none of these offers are currently active, with a longer lockout and the right insurance obstacles taken care of, this could change any day.)
Marc Stein now reports that the latest player to enter the fray for Besiktas is candy addict, Kardashian husband, and former Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom. Odom’s contract — 2 years at $17 million, with the second year a partial guarantee — is the “most manageable insurance-wise.”
Odom is coming off the best statistical season of his career; in 2010-11, Odom posted a career-high 19.4 PER for the Lakers, playing in all 82 games and averaging 14.4 points per game on 53% shooting. He posted additional career-bests in true shooting percentage, points produced per 100 possessions, win shares, three-point percentage, and turnover rate.
Stein also lists Marcin Gortat (3 years, $22 million) and Nene (a restricted free agent, in NBA terms) as top Besiktas targets, listing Gortat as the most likely candidate.
