With the dollar in decline and the euro on the way up, NBA players are now considering leaving the NBA for Europe. 7 players have made the transition this offseason alone and several others are considering this decision. 

The latest to make the jump is former Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Childress who received a three year contract worth $20 million to play for the Olympiakos of Greece. Surprisingly Childress passed up a 5 year, $34 million deal to stay in Atlanta. Josh's decision to pass on the deal makes a statement on how European franchises are in a much better place than some NBA organizations such as the Hawks. Childress was no star in the NBA however he will feel the pressure from day one as he will viewed as a step above because of his play in the world's best basketball league. The main difference between the two leagues is that European franchises are much steadier than NBA franchises and the turn on for players is that their team can be competitive every year as oppose to going through a rebuilding stage.

Speaking of NBA franchises trying to rebuild, the New Jersey Nets have made many offseason moves including trading former star Richard Jefferson for Yi and Bobby Simmons. Two players also leaving the team are  foward Bostjan Nachbar and center Nenad Krstic. The two head back to Europe where they got their original start. In my opinion I don’t understand why a guy like Krstic, a potential top NBA center would want to go back to Europe when the game is much more appreciated and competitive in the States. Nachbar I can understand because he was just an average player but in Europe he is a top flight player. Krstic's thinking could be go to Europe improve then come back however no matter what European league you play in the NBA will always have the advantage. 

Other players making the jump are former Raptors Jorge Garbajosa, Carlos Delfino, and Primoz Brezec all of who were average NBA players. The only benefit I see here is for average NBA players to make the jump to Europe and hone their skills then attempt to come back and try the NBA again. But I feel as though those years lost are too valuable to give up because the nature of the NBA is different than Europe. It will be interesting to see if this jump from the NBA to Europe becomes a new fad or if it was just another surprise in the sports world of 2008