Sergio Rodriguez’s NBA comeback looks to be over after just one season with the Sixers.
The veteran point guard has agreed to a multi-year deal through 2020 with CSKA Moscow, according to David Pick.
Rodriguez left Europe last summer to play for the Sixers on a one-year contract. He got the nod at starting point guard after Jerryd Bayless was injured in training camp. However, T.J. McConnell took over the ball and ran with the starting job when Rodriguez suffered an ankle injury in late December.
Rodriguez, 31, averaged 7.8 points, 5.1 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 68 games (30 starts). He served an underrated role as a veteran mentor for Dario Saric while helping the rookie transition to the NBA.
“I want to make a good decision, take time to see what I'm going to do, and of course try to stay in the NBA and play a few more years here," Rodriguez said at the end of the season.
The Sixers' needs at Rodriguez’s position changed from last season. They selected point guard Markelle Fultz No. 1 in the draft. Ben Simmons is expected to be the main ball handler, wherever he starts in the lineup. Bayless will return from wrist surgery and McConnell is under contract.
Rodriguez first came to the NBA in 2006 when he was drafted by the Trail Blazers. He played four seasons in the league before returning overseas where he is revered as a standout player. His achievements include representing Spain in the Olympics and winning a championship with Real Madrid.
Rodriguez remained connected to his fans from Spain while playing in Philadelphia. He met with large groups of supporters after games several times this past season.
He offered this message to them at the end of the season.