Luke Babbitt Signs in Russia

Luke Babbitt has signed with Russian club BC Nizhny Novgorod for the 2013-14 season, according to a report from CSNNW.

Prior to this past season, the Portland Trail Blazers declined to pick up his option for 2013-14, making him an unrestricted free agent. His agent, Bill Duffy, identified a desire for more minutes as a reason for the trek overseas:

"My take is Luke needs to play 30 minutes a game and play a more expanded role. We've had recent success with both Danny Green (of the San Antonio Spurs) and Patrick Beverley (of the Houston Rockets) getting an opportunity to develop their games in Europe and returning to the NBA. The NBA is a league of opportunity. We feel strongly this is the best move for Luke at this time.”

Babbitt has spent his entire career with Portland after being acquired in a draft-day trade in 2010. In 126 games over three seasons, the Nevada product averaged 3.8 points and shot 36.7 percent from 3-point range.