Look away, Knicks fans.
You too, Raptors nation.
After signing a minimum deal with the Brooklyn Nets in July, Andrea Bargnani told Italian daily newspaper that he would’ve played for the team “for free.”
“I would have done it for free because the money at this time has no importance,” Bargnani told il Fatto Quotidiano.
The Raptors’ No. 1 overall pick in 2006 is looking for redemption after he failed to meet expectations throughout his career, most recently during his injury-plagued two years with the New York Knicks during which he made $23.3 million.
Bargnani played just 71 games over the last two seasons after the Knicks acquired him from the Raptors, averaging 13.9 points per game during that time.
“I just hope to be able to have a decent playing time, scoring as many points and exceed goals, as I always have,” Bargnani told the paper. “I don’t think I have been lucky. Luck is good health that allows you to show your talent at the right time. The rest is the work. I made choices, risky indeed and I intend to continue to risk. I accept all criticism, I’m living in a dream.”
Bargnani also touched on his first seven seasons with the Raptors and having to live through those harsh Toronto winters. “During winters in Canada, minus-30 temperatures are no fun. You basically go from one garage to another.”