American guard Justin Dentmon has reportedly left Zalgiris and signed for Chinese Basketball Association side Qingdao Double Star Eagles.
If Dentmon does join the Eagles, he will become the first import signing for the Chinese side as they look for a change of fortunes following their dismal 5-29 record in the CBA last season, which resulted in Qingdao finishing bottom.
The CBA has been renowned for paying imports, mainly those coming from the NBA and the Euroleague mass amounts of money, while the local stars get paid a minimal amount. Former NBA players such as Stephon Marbury, Tracy McGrady and Gilbert Arenas now earn their trade in China along with former Montepaschi Siena guard, Bobby Brown.
Dentmon, a 28-year-old point guard averaged 16.8 points, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals in the Euroleague last season as he led the Lithuanian champions to the Top 16 phase. Dentmon was named the Player of the Week for round five of the regular season, as well as rounds six and 14 of the Top 16.
Dentmon posted a career-high 36 points in the final week of the Top 16 against eventual runners-up Real Madrid, hitting seven three-pointers in that haul.
Before arriving in Kaunas, Dentmon had a brief spell in Puerto Rico. He has also played in the NBA, with cameo roles for both the San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors.
Before he turned professional, Dentmon spent four years with the Washington Huskies. His first pro contract was with Israeli side Hapoel Afula in 2009.
