Sergio Rodriguez Exits NBA, Returns to Spain

by Tom ZillerFiled under: Knicks, Trail Blazers, Euroleague, NBA Rumors, NBA Transactions, NBA Free Agents Sergio Rodriguez, the 6'3 Canarian point guard so bombastic he earned the Jason Williams-inspired nickname "Spanish Chocolate," just couldn't set his NBA career on the right path over the past four seasons. He struggled to find a consistent role under conservative coach Nate McMillan in Portland, was stuck behind rookie sensation Tyreke Evans in Sacramento and failed to stand out on a depleted Knicks squad. And despite a thin free agent crop of point guards, Rodriguez's stateside prospects were pretty glum now that his rookie contract has ended. But the international market was said to be enamored by the ebullient playmaker, and Sergio became one of the first big names to sign with a big European club today when Ettore Messina's Real Madrid announced it has locked up Rodriguez on a three-year deal. Madrid has more Euroleague titles than any other clu...