NBA – Nocioni packs his bags for Sacramento after trade; Chandler deal nixed

CHICAGO (NBA) - Argentina international Andres Nocioni has spoken of his “regret” that his life in the NBA is no longer with the Chicago Bulls after being traded to the Sacramento Kings.

Nocioni, 29, spent five-and-half years with Chicago (24-30), enjoying his best season in 2006-07 when he averaged 14.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

He has moved to Sacramento (11-44) in a deal that has sent former Team USA center Brad Miller to the Bulls.

“There had been a lot of rumors," Nocioni said to the Sun Times of Chicago.

"I am okay. I expected this, but I don´t feel bad for the way of my departure.

"It´s not as if I have done something wrong. I didn´t play as well this season but I gave everything to the team.

“The only thing I regret is leaving a good team, good players and good coaches. I really enjoyed playing for the Bulls. But this is life in the NBA. Things like this can happen."

Nocioni was a vital member of the Argentina team that captured the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

The season that followed was his first with Chicago.

Last year, he captured a bronze medal with Argentina at the Beijing Games.

Tyson Chandler, meanwhile, will not be moving to Oklahoma City after failing a physical.

Oklahoma City team physician Dr Carlan Yates, who operated on Chandler’s toe when the Hornets were based in Oklahoma City in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, told the team the risk of Chandler re-injuring the toe was too great and they nixed the deal.

Instead, the seven-footer will return to New Orleans and finish the season with the Hornets.

The players in New Orleans were thrilled with the development because Chandler had played a vital role with the team last year as they reached the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

"I'm excited to have T.C. back," New Orleans’ Team USA guard Chris Paul said.

"I think it will give us a huge lift. Hopefully it will bring us closer together. You know, T.C. is family to us, so there won't be any animosity when he comes in here and he understands what's been the goal all along."

FIBA