NBA Lockout: Zaza Pachulia Headlines Atlanta Hawks That Are Headed Overseas

Yesterday's announcement that the NBA had cancelled the first two weeks of the NBA regular season brings to light the fact that this lockout may not be ending anytime soon. Due to the uncertainty of the situation, many NBA players have been seeking employment overseas during the offseason. Most of the players that have signed with foreign clubs have negotiated an NBA opt-out clause which will allow them to return to the states whenever the lockout does finally end. 

Just last week, Atlanta Hawks' center Zaza Pachulia announced that he had signed a deal to play in Turkey for Galatasaray during the lockout. Pachulia has been busy this summer as he was a part of Georgia's National team that took part in the FIBA Eurobasket tournament. Galatasaray will take part in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague this upcoming season.

A couple of Atlanta Hawks second round picks are also headed overseas. 2010 second round selection Pape Sy has signed to play in France for BCM Gravelines. 2011 second round pick Keith Benson will be playing in Italy for Dinamo Sassari. Both players have opt out clauses and are likely to return once the lockout is over. 

A couple of Atlanta Hawks free agents have also signed deals with foreign clubs during the offseason. Hilton Armstrong whom the Hawks acquired in the Kirk Hinrich trade was one of the first NBA players to head overseas during the offseason when he signed with ASVEL Villeurbanne in France. Local Atlanta product Josh Powell is all seeking a paycheck abroad signing in China with Liaoning Panpan. Neither player reportedly has an NBA opt-out clause. 

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