Spanish superstar Juan Carlos Navarro has decided to leave the NBA after just one season with the Memphis Grizzlies. He is returning to Spain and will suit up for FC Barcelona this coming ACB season.

Navarro’s announcement of his departure caught many by surprise, among those was Memphis General Manager Chris Wallace, “As of late Tuesday, Juan Carlos’ intention was to test the NBA free agent waters come July. However, on Wednesday he received the proverbial offer he could not refuse from his old team,” Wallace said. “We plan on extending a qualifying offer to Juan Carlos so that the Grizzlies retain the right to match any future offer if he ever decides to return to the NBA.”

The 28-year old Navarro started out the 2007-08 NBA season slowly, even though many thought joining his fellow Spanish national Pau Gasol, he would have an easier time adapting.

Navarro eventually found a rhythm for the speed and culture of the NBA by averaging 10.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists while playing in all 82 of Memphis’s games. La Bomba, as he is nicknamed, also recorded 156 three-pointers, two short of an NBA rookie record held by Kerry Kittles (which was accomplished with the shorter three-point line in 1996-97).  Juan Carlos Navarro participated in the midseason NBA Rookie-Sophmore game and was named the NBA’s all-Rookie Second Team.

Despite his accomplishments and progress through his inaugural season, Navarro played for the NBA’s third-worst team and he received inconsistent minutes throughout the season – one game he would start, the next he would come off the bench.  The combination of these factors more than likely played a role in his departure.

I can’t say that I blame him for leaving; Navarro was used to winning and being the man.  Having to put up with starting over again, all the changes in style and culture (on and off the court), in addition to a frustrating season.  However, I do believe that Navarro gave up too quickly.

The Spaniard was originally a 2002 second-round draft pick of the Washington Wizards, but instead of coming over to American immediately, Navarro stuck around the ACB and Euroleague for five years.  He was then dealt to the Grizzlies previous to the 2007-08 NBA season.

And Juan Carlos Navarro won’t be back anytime soon (or ever), as he signed a five-year contract with FC Barcelona.  Wallace will attempt to counter the offer, but he seems to also recognize that Navarro is gone for good, saying“ Juan Carlos made a positive contribution to the team and we wish him and his family all the best in his return to his homeland.”

Links and Resources: Europeans running from NBA again discussion thread (Interbasket), In the news: Navarro’s move surprised Wallace (commercialappeal.com), Juan Carlos Navarro returns home to Barcelona (Euroleague)