Josh Childress Impresses in Euroleague Debut
Ex-NBA player Leads Olympiacos in Points, Rebounds, Blocks
Oct 23, 2008
Former Atlanta Hawks small forward Josh Childress shrugged off any pressure of playing his first Euroleague game since becoming the biggest former NBA name to play in Europe since Dominique Wilkins in the mid-1990s, by leading his team Olympiacos to a comfortable 83-69 victory on the road over Air Avellino.
Filling the Box Score
Still donning his afro hairdo, Childress started and played 25 minutes and led the Greek team with 14 points to go along with a team-high eight rebounds, three blocked shots and two steals. He made 5-of-9 shots inside the three-point stripe and missed his only attempt from long range while making just 4-of-8 foul shots.
Dominating At Times
Childress was clearly one of the most athletic players on the court and regularly was able to drive to the rim, getting fouled eight times in the contest. He intimidated Avellino players defensively, blocking three but changing a number of other shots by the Italian squad. And the 25-year-old played a key role in a critical stage in the game as Olympiacos grabbed the lead for the first time. He hit a lay-up on one end, blocked a shot at the other end then converted another lay-in late in the second quarter.
Transition Still Coming
Childress is still, however, dealing with the usual problems for an American coming to play in Europe under European rules. He committed four turnovers including one on a break away lay-up where he travelled - a rule which differs slightly in the European game. But Childress did not play four seasons in the NBA for nothing and he will get used to the travelling rule and other fine differences in the European style.
Team's Leading Scorer
Things have run quite smoothly for Childress in the Greek league as well where he is averaging 17.5 points through the first two games - both times leading the team in scoring. He also has added 3.0 rebounds per game while blocking three shots so far. Childress has hit 12-of-15 shots from two-point range but yet to make a triple in four attempts in two contests. He also has knocked down 11-of-14 foul shots.
Part of Big Plans
Olympiacos has big hopes of claiming the Euroleague trophy in May in Berlin. And bringing in Childress on a deal reportedly worth 20 million dollars after taxes was a big part of that as the 6-foot-8, 210-pounder averaged 11.8 points and 4.9 rebounds as the Hawks' main man off the bench last season.
