<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">As the days dwindle for those first-round picks from the draft class of 2003 who have yet to receive contract extensions, we're going to hear a lot of rhetoric from management and affected players. Expect to hear player personnel types insisting there is little to lose by waiting until next summer, when the 2003 first-rounders become restricted free agents. Expect coaches to insist they expect no problems from non-extended players, no matter how thoroughly those players might be disappointed they didn't get long-term security. Count on players to promise to play just the same as if they had gotten the sort of extension they sought. Then file all those comments in the B.S. Bin. All you need to know about the importance of such extensions for players vital to their team's success you could learn from the 2004 negotiation between Tony Parker and the Spurs. Spurs chairman Peter Holt drew a line in the sand at an extension of $64 million over six seasons. Parker wanted $66 million. At the 11th hour, Parker found an unlikely ally when coach Gregg Popovich, who doubles as executive vice-president of basketball operations, publicly took Parker's side in the impasse. Holt caved, Parker got his $66 million, and everyone was happy. You may recall that the Spurs won the 2005 NBA title, with Parker recording what were then career highs in points, rebounds, assists and shooting percentage. Happy is as happy does. </div> Source
