If the Pistons don’t want to re-sign him, Alex Acker has options: at least two foreign teams have expressed interest in signing him. Haaretz.com reports that Maccabi Tel Aviv, an Israeli team, and Olympiacos, a Greek team, are monitoring his progress:
Maccabi expressed an interest in Alex Acker, a guard who appeared for the Detroit Pistons last season. Olympiacos immediately added him to its shopping list.
I know Maceo Baston has already turned down a potential NBA job to accept more money to play in Tel Aviv, which made a little bit more sense 10 days ago than it does today given the, shall we say, tense situation with Lebanon. Here’s to hoping that Acker doesn’t have to make that decision — especially following the favorable reviews he received from the Bad Boy Summer Camp crew who watched him play in the Vegas Summer League:
Acker when he gains confidence is very smooth and effortless, a lot like Tayshaun Prince. His weakness is that he seems to rely so much on his confidence which only comes from really playing against a guy and getting to know what advantages you have over him. Also, he picks his spots which pulls him out of his rhythm. With some consistent work to make his jumper automatic, I think he could be very solid. He makes very few mental mistakes and definitely has a killer instinct. But, the only thing is that he will need some minutes to get himself comfortable with playing against even 2nd tier NBA talent. If he can do that…look out.
On a related note, Acker isn’t the only American drawing interest overseas. From Haaretz.com:
The same scenario is being played out with Dajuan Wagner, formerly of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The No. 6 pick in the 2002 Draft, who is looking to rehabilitate his career after a major illness, miraculously appears on [Olympiacos’ coach Pina] Gershon’s list as well as that of Maccabi chairman Shimon Mizrahi.
Big money sends Athens clubs on shopping spree [Harretz.com]
Matt, do you think that there’s any chance Acker will see meaningful minutes at the point this year, or he just going to rot while Hunter gets 12 minutes a game?
If Acker re-signs, I doubt he’ll see much action, let alone at the point. I’m guessing Chauncey, Flip Murray and Lindsey will handle most of the point guard duties. Acker can play the position, but he’s a natural shooting guard that only moved to the point last year to add depth with Hunter sidelined for the first portion of the year. And from what I gather, he spent most of his time at the Vegas Summer League back at shooting guard.
I see at need4sheed that Will Blalock was signed to a multi year deal… and that #6, which Acker wore for the pistons, has been assigned to Flip Murray.
Doesn’t look too good for Ackers being in a Piston uniform this year. I just hope they don’t give him away for nothing.
hes been offered a 1 million deal to play in greece. I say he should go then that way he’ll get to play against some ok competition(better than D-league) and if he does go we’ll still have the rights to him so maybe he can make the squad next season.
well ill say this much my boi ack will make the best decsion for him and his family we talk all the time and ill say this much hope greece is ready for a hungry monster!!!!!!