SEATTLE - APRIL 2: Robert Swift #31 of the Seattle SuperSonics shoots against Joel Przybilla #10 of the Portland Trail Blazers at Key Arena on April 2, 2006 in Seattle, Washington. The Sonics defeated the Blazers 122-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Former NBAer Robert Swift returns to playing basketball in Spain

8 years ago
Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images Sport / Getty

In normal circumstances, a former NBA player making a comeback attempt in Europe wouldn't be newsworthy, but the case of Robert Swift is slightly different.

Swift began play with Spanish fifth-division squad Circulo Gijon last weekend in his first high-level basketball since being released by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2009. In the interim, Swift has lived a harrowing tale that has included heroin addiction and an arrest for weapons charges.

"It was honestly one of the best days I've had in a long time. I personally felt a little rusty, a little slow for not playing for five, six years, but I know that comes back with more time on the court," Swift told Hoopshype's Alex Kennedy.

A 7-foot center, Swift - now 32 - was picked 12th in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Seattle Sonics straight out of high school.

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