The Front Row: An interesting development

EURO VERSUS DOLLAR: Brandon Jennings might be more of a trailblazer than he realized.

The former UA recruit recently became the first major high school prospect to opt for professional European basketball in lieu of NCAA hoops or a post-graduate prep season. Test scores (or lack thereof) might have been the original catalyst, but other basketball stars are more interested in the financial implications of this decision.

A handful of relevant NBA players with international backgrounds (Carlos Delfino, Jorge Garabosa and Juan Carlos Navarro, in particular) have elected to forgo opportunities in America to pursue riches overseas. Obviously, they would’ve made healthy salaries in the NBA, but these European clubs now have the financial resources to compete.

In a surprising Yahoo.com report, versatile Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Childress is apparently considering a 3-year, $20-million contract from Greek powerhouse Olympiakos.

It might seem baffling at first, but when one breaks down all of the factors, it makes a whole lot of sense.

Currently, one euro is the equivalent of $1.58, making long-term European deals far more lucrative than their American counterparts. Also, Olympiakos plans to pay all of Childress’ taxes, if he decides to make the move.

Childress, a restricted free agent, would not see anywhere near this kind of money in the current NBA market. If another NBA team made Childress an offer, the Hawks could match it. However, that doesn’t apply to European squads.

If Childress’ transition is successful, he could be the first of many restricted free agents to either bolt for an overseas squad or use an offer to leverage a much better deal from his employer.

Jennings’ decision might completely alter the face of recruiting, but these new contract negotiations could send shock waves through the NBA’s entire business model.

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VEGAS: I’m writing this article from the third floor of a Best Western in Las Vegas. Technically, this is my vacation week, but I honestly wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I weren’t writing about sports.

I flew in Sunday and I’ve already dug myself into a hole. Blackjack tables are pure evil.

That’s not to say this trip to Sinatra’s old stomping ground hasn’t been without its fair share of highlights thus far.

I spotted former Pittsburgh and current Miami linebacker Joey Porter holding court at a craps table at the Palms. Seems like a cool guy. Same with Kansas City running back Larry Johnson.

The NBA Summer League just wrapped up with the big high school AAU basketball tournaments just now under way. Check Friday’s edition for a few observations and anecdotes from my trip out here.

nprevenas@gvnews.com | 547-9747