Kevin Punter: 'There were contacts with NBA teams during the summer' / News - Basketnews.com

Partizan NIS Belgrade's shooting guard Kevin Punter arrived at the team's training camp and confirmed interest from the NBA teams during his media availability.

Credit: K. Kavolėlis Credit K. Kavolėlis

Kevin Punter reported back to Partizan NIS Belgrade's training camp, where the Serbian powerhouse began the preparation for the new season.

Kevin Punter

Position:SGAge:29Height:190 cmWeight:86 kgBirth place:New York, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Last year, Punter signed for Partizan but had an NBA exit clause in his contract. This summer, there were talks about the American shooting guard receiving interest from the NBA. Now, Punter himself confirmed such talks.

"Allsorts of things were said, the NBA was also mentioned," Punter told Bojan Brezovac from Mozzart Sport. "There was contact with some teams, I honestly don't know what exactly happened, but here I am in Belgrade. Again, in a black and white jersey, that's it. I'm ready."

Partizan strengthened its roster this summer with Dante Exum, Danilo Andjusic, James Nunnally, Ioannis Papapetrou, and Mathias Lessort. Asked about the new signings, Punter praised Partizan's management.

"I like the new guys," said Punter. "I played against James when I was at Crvena Zvezda. I didn't play against Dante, but I have to say that I'm satisfied with who came and how the entire team looks at the moment."

Punter also shortly returned to last year's ABA League final against Crvena Zvezda, which was highlighted by unprecedented fan behavior in the stands.

"I have never experienced such games in my life. At one point, the things that happened had nothing to do with basketball. Someday I will tell everything that happened, it will be a crazy story, definitely a crazy experience," Punter revealed.

However, after being asked to be more specific about last season's events, the American guard said he doesn't look back now.

"Honestly, I don't think about last season," Punter said. "We start a new season with new challenges and new energy, we have a new team. It's not a new team, we added some guys. We're a similar team, but it's a new story. That's more accurate. Now we are a team that plays EuroLeague, it will be great. I'm excited."

Speaking of Partizan's return to the EuroLeague, Punter did not hide his excitement.

"A club like Partizan with a great history, it is a great honor for me to be a part of all this, a return to the Euroleague. I can't wait for the first game in Belgrade," Punter concluded.

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