Was it something we said?

Did the Bullets do something to offend Europe? If so, I'd like to extend an unconditional apology to Europe on behalf of Abraham Pollin, Ernest Grunfeld, Edward Jordan, Wesley Unseld, Susan O'Malley and the entire Washington organization. First came the news that Juan Carlos Navarro, a Spanish guard who could really help the Bullets, probably cannot come to D.C. as he and Washington would like because of a gigantic buyout that Navarro could never afford to pay. Now comes this news:

The Washington Wizards would like last year's second-round draft pick, forward Vladimir Veremeenko, to play in the Las Vegas summer league in July, but Veremeenko could be blocked from doing so by his team in Russia.

Veremeenko's contract with Khimky of the Russian Superleague has "several" years remaining according to his agent, Marc Cornstein, and the team may not clear him to play for the Wizards in summer league. Khimky currently is in the midst of the Russian Superleague playoffs.

"Vladimir wants to play in the NBA but he has a good contract, so right now we're exploring all of our options," said Cornstein, who represents several international players in the NBA. "Once his season ends in Russia, we'll go from there."

Unlike Navarro, who is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, guard in Europe, Veremeenko doesn't have a huge buyout in his contract. He's just got a contract and he might not be able to get out of it. Now, it's not a problem as far as playing in Washington next season, since I don't think Veremeenko is far enough along as a player to be considered for a roster spot on the Bullets. The issue is playing him in the summer leagues so he gets experience going against American players and learning the American game. Alas, it may not be possible.

Darn Russians. Do they want another Cold War?