<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">ATLANTA ? Steve Nash understands Mark Cuban's point in what may soon escalate into Olympic-gate. The point guard has seen a high-profile teammate on his Canadian national team, Jamaal Magloire, elect not to play in the Olympic qualifying tournament last summer because he didn't have a signed NBA contract. Cuban believes that is a telling comment on players who want it both ways when it comes to performing for their countries in international basketball events. </div> What are your opinons on this? Full Story -- Click Here
I think Cuban has a point, but if a player has pride for his country he should be able to do what he wants.. Although after seeing dirk get hurt in the olympic qualifier, im starting to agee with Cuban more and more.
Couldnt read the article...didnt wanna sign up and ther was no "I dont live here" option I don't think Cuban has the right to say this. It is the player's choice. If there is some clause in their contract that Cuban put in there to elect not having to pay them if they sustain an injury throuhg international competition or some other clasue, then he can say this. Its up tot the player. THe should have the right to represent his country if he wants to. Are the Olympics not for the best athletes of the world? The NBA posssesses some of the best talent all over the world. Why restrict these players oppurtunities?
Dirk isn't the only Mav that got hurt competing nationally, Nash and Najera did too. There was an article on this in the New York Times today, and Cuban was spewing nonsense. His only valid argument was that contracts come first, and players should be loyal to their teams. He tried to argue that int'l ball is only for entertainment, lol. What does he think the NBA is?
Cuban probably thinks money manifests intelligence. Contrary to what he intended, his take on international play probably only serves to reduce player loyalty to his team. I don't think Nowitzki, Nash, etc. appreciate his implication that owners not only own their team, but also their players.
Still owners have rights to the players during the season. The players should have a chance to make a choice to play in international play or not. If Cuban has such a problem with it........whenever he signs (or re-signs) a player such as Dirk or Nash, he should put a clause in the contract to not to play in international play during the off-season. Case closed. I wonder how players would feel about signing contracts with Dallas from then on.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting CourtVision:</div><div class="quote_post">I wonder how players would feel about signing contracts with Dallas from then on.</div> oh I bet many would love it
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting CourtVision:</div><div class="quote_post">Is that sarcasm? I really can't tell if quotes from you are serious or not.</div> Have you listened to some of the players? Many would value their own time more.
In the end the players have a choice. I think being selected to play for your country is an honor to most players rather than a liability. But in the end, the players don't have a gun to their heads so they can decline if they want to (and they do sometimes). IMO I think if that clause is put into a players contract it would deter some people more than attract them. To be restricted to not play for your country as part of your contract is not attractive to most players. But if Mark Cuban is so adamant about international and Olympic play he should implement that strategy.
International players do have the right to choose whether they want to represent their home country or not. Such a clause in a contract just restricts those who do wish to compete in international play...so a potential free agent would either hate it or not care.
I think this mainly effects those who would be considered to play in international play. Of course someone who wouldn't be chosen ie. Andrew Declerq wouldn't care
The NBA is not a game, it is a job, you people have got to understand Cuban's side of this. It is his job to put out the best product that he can to make money.
I understand that but if he has such a problem with it then he should just implement the clause I just spoke of. If he was so adamant about it then he should just follow through on that. Just don't try to make the NBA follow suit on what he cries foul (which is a lot of things). BTW I don't think Cuban is that stupid in the first place to do that clause. IMO he is just trying to get the NBA to do it by whining about it.
Sometimes owners have to be adament about those time of things. Sometimes when "foul" is cried its right. I agree on some points, yes I agree it is the players choise to play or not. Then again, KJ made a point the NBA is a business, a job, you people think its a game, in away yes it its, but then again their JOB is to entertain the fans. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting CourtVision:</div><div class="quote_post">BTW I don't think Cuban is that stupid in the first place to do that clause. IMO he is just trying to get the NBA to do it by whining about it.</div> As much as I love Mark Cuban, this is one true statement, and he does that alot sometimes.
Oh watch any government meeting and that's all you see is crying....and a lot worse. If these players get hurt playing in these games does the NBA pay for that? No, the team does.
Sooooooo....like I said. Put a clause in the contract but give the players the right to choose. Just don't try to reduce the competition level in the Olympics or Worlds because of an owners incessant whining. Cuban knows thats all he has to do, so why don't he just do it and shut up? Because he is trying to force the NBA's hand first. btw KJ- Ron Ron never gets tired.
