While its true that when the CBA expired there contracts were void for that period of time. its also true that any professional who is returning to a profession that he or she has taken some time off of, is expected to be up to date on information and practices regarding the subject otherwise they can count on not continuing in that field. It is unprofessional to pull a Shawn Kemp no matter the situation. When you go on strike you better be ready to take up your old job when the strike is resolved or you better not show back up.
I find that a strange argument. The players were off work, but they knew full well they would go back to work at some point. Some players came back to work unable to perform their jobs for which they are ridiculously paid. And yet, they still expect to be ridiculously paid. They owe it to their employers and by extension the fans who pay their salaries to come to work able to perform their jobs at the level for which they are being ridiculously compensated. If they needed to practice their craft while they were off work in order to stay sharp, then they owe it to their employers, their fans, and their families to do so. Otherwise they should give the money back or be fired for their inability to perform their job duties. And by 'some players' I mean, of course, Felton.
I don't think anyone is questioning if it was right for Felton to come into camp out of shape. I also don't think anyone is saying he came into came in shape. The real question to me is if Felton is now in his usual game shape? I've got my own experiences too, and experience says when your are out of shape, couple weeks of hell week and a few games and you are back in game shape. So I understand the idea how he should be in shape now. These NBA analysts (not making a big deal out of these guys just something I heard while latching NBA on ESPN) . . . they talk about how rigorous this schedule was and if you come into camp out of shape, you really don't get your game legs back until you get that 8 day break during the all star game. They suspected the overall level of play will get better after the all star break as many players come back in game shape with their legs ready to go. Just one analysis of this crazy season . . . and when I heard of it I thought and hoped this would apply to Felton.
I'm actually feeling a little sympathy for the round mound of turnover. He seems to mean well. Most of my ire is directed at 'you know who' and his coach. Felton makes the occasional blunder, but at least he doesn't take his teammates out of the game when he's in. I do think it's possible the all star break could help Felton get his legs back -- it does appear that could be affecting his shot, at least (he continually hits the front of the rim). Curse me and my eternal optimism! When will it end?!
Protected. If they get top 3 pick then we get it next year. Batum is a good player to build from. I bet he would blossom without Nate holding him back.
Top 3 protected? LOL!! Look I really like Nic Batum, but assuming he's even enough to get Nash (I don't think so) you're asking them to take a player with almost zero trade value in Felton and to give up a building block for the future. I guarantee you there are about 28 other teams in the league who could trump that offer.
That would be a horrible deal for us and PHX. PHX trading Nash = rebuild. AKA, they're not trading their pick. And getting Childress' horrible deal while renting Nash for a few years is not my idea for a rebuild in PDX.
