By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Unicaja announced on Saturday that Chris Duarte is currently suspended from all team duties.
Per the press release: “Unicaja Baloncesto announces that it has initiated disciplinary proceedings against player Christopher Duarte, who was notified of this decision today. The player now has 10 business days to submit his defense; during this period, he is suspended from duty as a precautionary measure.
The Club will provide further updates once the case is resolved.”
The relationship has reached a definitive breaking point, following months of escalating friction between the player, head coach Ibon Navarro, and the organization’s leadership. While the disciplinary action serves as the legal catalyst for a potential split, the groundwork for this fallout was laid throughout a season defined by technical disagreements and disputes over Duarte’s role. Tensions peaked during the Basketball Champions League Season X, powered by Ameresco SUNEL, Final Four in Badalona, when Duarte was omitted from the rotation, despite being named to the Star Lineup Second Team shortly after Thursday’s loss to AEK in the Semifinals.
His professional career began with significant momentum when the Indiana Pacers selected him 13th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, following a standout senior season at the University of Oregon. He made an immediate impact, earning All-Rookie Second Team honors after averaging 13.1 points per game. However, his trajectory shifted as he moved through short stints with the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls, where his playing time and production gradually declined over four NBA seasons. He ultimately took his talents to Puerto Rico before signing a two-year deal with the Malaga outfit in July.