Interview with Von Wafer and Josh ChildressBy:

By: Josh Cochran

Josh Childress made waves in 2008 by leaving a comfortable lifestyle in the NBA for a huge, 3-year $20 million contract in Greece. This summer former Houston Rocket, Von Wafer followed Childress’s footsteps by signing a 2-year $10 million contract with Olympiacos. I had a chance to catch up with them before Olympiacos’ preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday night:

NBADRAFT.NET: Josh, you seem to have paved a new avenue for NBA players. Do you think we will continue to see established NBA players leave for Europe?

JOSH CHILDRESS: I think so. I think that guys feel more comfortable with the jump after I moved over and after Von moved over. I know a lot of guys are worried about the financial aspect, whether they’re going to get their money, but that’s something I didn’t have a problem with. I only see it as a positive for guys. It’s another option and when you have options it makes your life a little easier.

NBADRAFT.NET: Von, do you think you would have made the move to Europe if Josh didn’t pave the way last year?

VON WAFER: Him coming back was the biggest part of my decision. He said he had a great experience, so I wanted to experience it for myself.

NBADRAFT.NET: What advice has Josh given you about playing in Europe?

VON WAFER: He’s given me a lot of advice. He said it’s going to be rough in the beginning, but to just be patient with it. It will all cool out eventually. It’s a different game over there, not to mention a different culture.

NBADRAFT.NET: Josh, what surprised you the most about your first season in Europe?

JOSH CHILDRESS: It was more difficult to play there than I expected. It was very physical. The style of play is a lot slower. It’s a different style of basketball. You appreciate all styles of basketball after being over there. You appreciate Spanish basketball, French, Isreali, Greek. They’re all different, but you learn to appreciate them all.

NBADRAFT.NET: What are the biggest differences that you’ve noticed in preparation for an NBA season versus a season in Greece?

VON WAFER: I haven’t really noticed a difference in the preparation. The game is different though. It’s more like college basketball. No defensive three seconds, a lot more help defensively, and a lot more motion on offense.

NBADRAFT.NET: What was the Euroleague Final Four like? How does it compare to the NCAA tournament or the NBA Playoffs?

JOSH CHILDRESS: Very similar to the NCAA tournament. The European fans are even more passionate than basketball fans in the States. They will yell and curse at you the entire game. It makes booing here seem like nothing.

NBADRAFT.NET: What do you think about Commissioner Stern’s desire to one day expand the NBA to Europe?

JOSH CHILDRESS: I think it’s a great idea. It could only be done in a few cities though, because there are only a few NBA-ready arenas. Ultimately, it would be good for the game of basketball. It would also be good for the players from a basketball and a personal perspective. From a personal standpoint, anytime you can experience a different culture it makes you a better person.

NBADRAFT.NET: What is your opinion of American high school players coming to Europe to play instead of going to college?

JOSH CHILDRESS: It takes the right kid. One that is mature enough to handle a new culture. One that is prepared to practice hard. It’s not easy, because you’re playing against grown men. But it’s the same. It’s all about going to that next level and making yourself a better player.