Gigi Datome Leaves NBA, Signs With Fenerbahce In Turkey
BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston Celtics fans didn't get to know Luigi Datome very well, but he became a fan favorite in his brief stint with the team.
Now, Celtics fans will have to say farewell to the man they know as "Gigi."
Datome, who played just 18 games in a Celtics uniform last season, is heading back to Europe. The small forward has signed a two-year deal with Turkish team Fenerbahce of the Euroleage.
Datome was traded to the Celtics at last season's trade deadline along with Jonas Jerebko for Tayshaun Prince, and quickly became a favorite among Boston fans thanks to his energy and shooting. He made just one start for the Celtics, and finished the season averaging 5.2 points, but Boston head coach Brad Stevens praised Datome as the team's best shooter. Gigi proved Stevens right by hitting 47.2 percent of his shots from downtown.
The 27-year-old Datome played just two seasons in the NBA after signing with the Detroit Pistons prior to the 2013-14 season. He appeared in 55 NBA games in his brief career, averaging 3.4 points on 41 percent shooting from the floor.
