On 28 June 2006, he was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 2006 NBA draft as the 30th overall draft pick. However, the Trail Blazers encouraged him to return to European play to further improve his game.
In June 2006, he was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 30th overall choice in the first round of the 2006 NBA draft. Nevertheless, the Trail Blazers advised him to go back to playing in Europe to refine his game.