Nick Calathes signed last month withthe Greek professional team Panathinaikos, but he was still eligible for the NBA draft. Some mock drafts had Calathes going as high as the mid-20’s picks in the first round despite his wish to play professionally in Greece. Calathes was selected in the second round with the 45th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves; who then traded him to the Dallas Mavericks for a future second round pick.

The Mavs also drafted point guard Rodrigue Beaubois from Guadelope, France who played in the Euroleague. It looks like the Mavs want Beaubois and Calathes to compete to replace Jason Kidd in a few years. Neither seem be an immediate impact guy for the Mavs.

Rumors are floating around that the Mavs could buyout Calathes’ contract for $500,000 and sign him to play this coming season. Yet, with Jason Terry and Jason Kidd at the point guard spot already this seems unlikely. The more likely situation is that they will retain his rights and let him play two seasons in Europe. They would also be unlikely to rival the almost two million dollar a year package that Calathes signed with Panathinaikos.

Calathes will need to bulk up his 6’5 185 pound frame to compete in the NBA. He has the court vision and smarts to be an effective NBA point guard, but he must develop a more consistent jump shot and better defensive skills to succeed. Calathes may like it in Greece and be a very solid European professional player, but will probably not be able to pass up the opportunity of the NBA at some point. That being said, his skill set is better suited for the European game and that may be where he will end up for most of his career.

Without Calathes, the Gator point guard situation is looking a little scary. With Erving Walker as the only true point guard, Billy Donovan may have to get creative with that position this season. Recently, it looked like former USC commit Mo Jones might sign with the Gators which would have significantly bolstered our guard play next year, but Jones decided to sign with Arizona instead.

Stud incoming freshman Kenny Boynton is a player, but not a true point guard. That could leave the Gators vulnerable on defense with the 5’5 Walker and the 6’2 Boynton matching up against big physical SEC guards. We will have to see what Billy can pull out of his hat for the 2009 season, but hopefully the future holds a spot for top 2010 recruit and Boynton’s best friend, Brandan Knight.

Ben Petittois a columnist for GatorTailgating.com