Don't say trouble, say Thomas Heurtel. Wherever it goes, controversy is served. Great on the track and a specialist in complicating existence. His last decision could cost him dearly. Zenit St. Petersburg announced on Wednesday on Twitter his signing for one season plus an optional second. Where is the but? Well, in that the French internationals signed a document before the Eurobasket in which they promised not to sign for any Russian team while the war with Ukraine lasted.
Heurtel also put his signature, played the Eurobasket and hung the silver medal after losing the final with Spain last Sunday. Once the tournament is over, the point guard, who was already rumored in July and August that he would end up at Zenit, has joined the Saint Petersburg team, or at least that is what the team led by Xavi Pascual has announced.
The response of the French Basketball Federation was immediate and this Thursday morning issued a statement. In the text, the federation indicates that it knew that Heurtel had contacts with different teams, including Russian clubs, but that he found out about the news from Zenit's tweet. He also recalled that the player made a written commitment not to sign for a Russian team. And, third and most importantly, he warns him that if he jumps the track to defend the colors of Zenit he will no longer be eligible with France for the next international tournaments, including the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The episode adds to the already long list of controversies with Heurtel as the protagonist. He already bounced out of Baskonia and his dismissal from Barça was tumultuous. He was negotiating with Madrid with his back to the Blaugrana club that had agreed to give him the letter of freedom so that he could sign for Fenerbahçe. When he discovered the cake, Barça decided to leave the point guard in Istanbul and not return with the team plane. Months later Heurtel was able to sign for Madrid, where he only played last season and not completely. The Frenchman was removed from the team by the coach, Pablo Laso, for partying at night in Athens the day before a match against Panathinaikos. It was the month of April and Madrid was already putting a bow on him to leave the club.
Of course, he is so talented that Heurtel always ends up finding a new accommodation. He knows it and he also knows that he is very important for the French team. If in the end he plays in Russia but next June he leaves there, who knows if the federation will fold sails and call him up again for the World Cup. He falls but he makes it to his feet.
