San Antonio Spurs forward DeJuan Blair played just four games in Russia before mutually parting ways with the team. Orlando Magic forward Earl Clark signed a contract to play in China then left without even playing in a game. Detroit Pistons forward DaJuan Summers is the latest NBA player coming home early from an overseas job. He left his Italian team after only four games.Any other American NBA player considering making a similar job to Europe or Asia during the ongoing lockout might want to talk to Summers first.I would tell them to be prepared for any and everything because its a different world than what you are used to, Summers told Yahoo! Sports in a phone interview from Italy.Summers, 23, played for the Pistons the past two seasons, averaging 3.2 points as a reserve, but struggled to crack the teams regular rotation given the number of forwards on the roster. Shortly after the lockout began, Summers signed a two-year contract with European powerhouse Montepaschi Siena. Siena finished third in the 2011 Euroleague Final Four and has won four straight Italian League championships.They were telling me how much they wanted me to be a part of the team, Summers said. With those things considered, I thought it was a good move to get that exposure with the top Italian League, as well as a top Euroleague team.A Baltimore native, Summers had never been to Europe until making his first trip to Italy. In fact, outside of a trip to China to play in a charity game for Yao Ming last year and traveling to Toronto to face the Raptors, he hadnt spent much time outside the United States.The team gave Summers and his girlfriend and son a nice three-bedroom house in Sienas countryside. But though Siena is a popular Italian tourist destination, Summers had trouble adapting to living in a small townand he thinks team officials picked up on it.Kind of slow-paced, Summers said.Summers was also given a Volkswagen by the team, but he quickly learned the difficulties of driving in Italy. On his second day in town, his car was rear-ended as he drove to practice. He was taken to the hospital, and his inability to speak Italian made it difficult for him to get help until someone realised he played for the local basketball team. By then, Summers girlfriend had already received a call from a team official alerting her that Summers hadnt made it to practice. She was happy to eventually learn he had suffered only whiplash in the accident.I got hit by a small SUV on my blind side of the passenger side, Summers said. When I got hit, I ended up on the other side of the car in the backseat. Thats how hard I got hit. I was just shocked. I never have been in an accident like that.People here drive much different. Its not as organised as back home, driving in-between lines. You got to be more alert.
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