Free agent guard/forward Mickael Pietrus has opted to sit out the remainder of the 2013-14-basketball season to focus on returning to the NBA next year, his agent Bill McCandless informed CSNNW.com.

Pietrus, 32, had multiple overseas offers on the table; however, the swingman declined those preludes in hopes that a NBA team would pick him up.

If Pietrus wants to maximize his chances of playing in the NBA next season, this was probably the right move.

He’s 32, and there was noticeable slippage in his game last season. It’s quite possible he’s too far past his athletic prime to deserve an NBA roster spot.

It’s unlikely signing overseas at this point would endear him to any potential NBA suitors. More likely, he’d struggle to acclimate mid-season after sitting out, further raising the athleticism concerns.

But by sitting out a full season, maybe – and this still might be a longshot – Pietrus can get his body right for training camp next fall.

Maybe, but he’s always had a high opinion of himself. If he can get his head wrapped around the fact that he’s not a top option on offense, he’d contribute to a team’s bench. But he’s always been a bit of a gunner considering his actual ability level.