LAS VEGAS – Colton Iverson’s NBA dream will have to wait for at least another season after the 7-foot center signed with Pinar Karsiyaka of the Turkish Basketball League.
Iverson, drafted in the second round of the 2013 draft by Indiana and immediately traded to the Celtics, was supposed to participate in Boston’s summer league teams this month.
However, he left the team before they left for Salt Lake City to pursue playing for a team overseas. The move sense considering the crowded Celtics frontcourt after the C's added Amir Johnson, along with re-signing Jonas Jerebko.
Boston will also re-sign Jae Crowder in addition to trading Gerald Wallace to Golden State for another frontcourt talent, David Lee.
This will be Iverson’s third season playing overseas, all of which have been in the Turkish Basketball League.
Last season, Iverson appeared in 24 Euroleague games (20 starts) and averaged 7.0 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 61.7 percent from the field.
He was looking forward to joining the Celtics summer league for a third straight season, but it became clear heading into summer league play that his chances of landing a roster spot were extremely slim, hence the decision to pursue overseas playing opportunities.
The Celtics have maintained a desire for him to continue improving his game. Both sides agree another season of international play can only bring him another step closer to his dream which is still to someday play in the NBA.