By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Stuck in the NBA free-agent market since the beginning of the season, Khem Birch has been linked to a return to Europe.
Birch, 31, reached an agreement with Girona but has yet to sign a contract, as reported by Listos Para Romperla. Barring a setback, he is heading to the Spanish team controlled by Marc Gasol.
Previous overseas experience included the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Playing for Greek powerhouse Olympiacos, the Canadian big recorded 37 appearances in the 2016-17 installment of the premier club continental competition of Europe. Spending the 2015-16 in Turkiye, he powered up Muratbey Usak Sportif in the Basketbol Super Ligi.
Lo avanzamos ayer en #ListosparaRomperla 🍦
Está TODO acordado pero SIN FIRMAR para la llegada del #NBA Khem Birch a la #LigaEndesa en las filas del Bàsquet Girona 💣 https://t.co/YstYfWbV5A pic.twitter.com/YlqnOR7ncU
— Chema de Lucas (@chemadelucas) February 2, 2024
Earning the opportunity to display his talents in the NBA, Birch logged 298 appearances, including 16 in the Playoffs, between the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors over six seasons. Traded to the San Antonio Spurs last February, he did not play under Gregg Popovich until being waived before the start of the 2023-24 Regular Season.
With Gasol involved throughout the ten-year history of the Catalonia club, Girona confidently drove through the lower divisions and reached Liga Endesa in 2022. After narrowly avoiding a drop to the second-tier division, a record of 8-12 currently describes the second ACB campaign in team history, two games outside the relegation zone. Greek tactician Fotis Katsikaris recently took over head-coaching responsibilities.
Besides the club level, the Montreal native represented Canada in the 2019 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila.
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