Juan Carlos

Navarro

Spain also got big production from Juan Carlos Navarro, who scored 26. Goran Dragic scored 14 for Slovenia in the loss.

La Bomba put on a show at the Eurobasket tournament, but after a brief NBA career, Navarro decided that he would rather continue his career in Europe. After signing the extension, it’s unlikely we’ll see him stateside again any time soon.

JCN no longer plays in the NBA but is a key member and captain of Spain’s Olympic team, and has been dealing with plantar fasciitis for much of his career. With Spain and Team USA expected to eventually meet in the finals for a shot at a gold medal, Spain is hoping he is able to recover from the injury soon, but his coach says the injury appears to be serious and he doesn’t know how many games he will miss. If he’s out against the United States (assuming they both make it to the finals), the Americans should have a better chance of winning the game.

The Commercial Appeal writes that the 2012 Olympics “almost certainly” was the final stand for both Pau Gasol and Juan Carlos Navarro, but Marc was noncommittal about his future with the team. Spain’s roster could look drastically different by the time 2016 arrives.

Spain had a loaded roster and was considered a favorite, and the team really asserted that notion throughout the action. Gasol, along with Juan Carlos Navarro (27 points, five assists) were the leaders of the club, and the final score of the clinching game was not reflective of the team’s control throughout this one.

Navarro poured in 19 points during the third quarter alone, helping to stave off an upset by the spirited Macedonians (led by Bo McCalebb, who scored 25). Pau Gasol added 22 points, and Spain moves on to face the winner of Russia vs. France.

Navarro, who was originally drafted in the second round by the Wizards with the 40th overall selection in 2002, was dealt to the Grizzlies on August 3, but the deal wasn’t finalized until today. “We’re pleased to acquire a first-round pick, which gives us an additional asset,” Washington president Ernie Grunfeld said. Navarro will battle with Mike Conley, Damon Stoudamire and Kyle Lowry for the starting point guard job in Memphis.

Pau Gasol added 18 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, while Mike Miller added 17 points for the Grizzlies. It was Memphis’ first loss in exhibition play and Navarro appears to have taken Tarence Kinsey’s spot in the rotation. Navarro should be drafted late in most leagues, while Kinsey appears to have no value as long as Navarro and Mike Miller are healthy.

Navarro’s contract is structured in such a way to make it difficult and expensive for an NBA team to buy him out. With the Wizards, who own Navarro’s rights, re-signing DeShawn Stevenson, the chances of Navarro being dealt have increased. Memphis is still a possibility, but it doesn’t appear that it’s going to be easy for any NBA club to bring him over for next season.

The Grizzlies and Wizards, according to NBA front-office sources, have an agreement in principle for Navarro, who is considered one of Europe’s top guards and Pau Gasol’s best friend. The move, if finalized, should help the Grizzlies keep Pau in Memphis for the long haul and give them another solid point guard with professional experience. His arrival could hamper the development of Mike Conley and Kyle Lowry, as well as render Damon Stoudamire useless.