But since the players are welcome to play anywhere they want in the world, how is it the owners fault for those specific rules in that specific league? "If you don't like it, we are not stopping you from playing elsewhere."
That will absolutely be an argument that the NBA should/will make and one that the courts will have to decide on. I will say that most companies can't engage in monopolistic practices (price-fixing, etc.) in the US market just because I can drive to Canada or Mexico and buy their products there. (Although an argument could be made that that's what pharma companies do.) Ed O.
That is NOT going to happen. Because if it could, everybody would sign with the Knicks or the Lakers. Now THAT I'd like to see, because then we'd have all-out war amongst the owners.
I really wish more Blazers players would sign overseas. Nolan Smith at LEAST could get a good job in the Spanish league - I'm sure Kyle Singler would put in a good word. It's fun watching Batum and Freeland, but I want more!
The problem is salaries. Nic is getting paid between 18-25k / month. Obviously much better than nothing, but that amounts to essentially half the existing NBA minimum. And that's without insurance. But I don't think he cares much about the money as he does about playing ball and staying in his home country. But if his salary is an indication of what other players of his caliber could get in Europe (ACB teams could obviously pay a bit more), I don't see many American players jumping over right now.
My guess is that this won't be solved with only one season lost. I do have a couple of questions for anyone. Has this desertification ever happened in the other sport leagues? If Ed is right about the legal issues, won't the NBA/courts use existing leagues (NFL, NHL etc.) as precedent regarding Anti-Trust law? gatorpops
The NFL players decertified. An appellate court overruled an intial ruling in favor of the players. Once that happened, the NFL players and owners decided to do a deal. The big difference is that the NFL is a cash-cow, while many NBA owners operate at a loss, which even Billy Hunter admits.
The amazing thing is, these idiots are going to lose more money this year then they'd gain if they signed their contract as they want it. Fucking morons.
Yep. There's just not much precedent because no pro sports leagues have really ever taken the issue to a conclusion. Legally, I'm not sure that's a difference, but you're right that owners have more incentive in the NBA to go the distance to change the system. Ed O.
Has anyone really been able to pin down what the players are expecting to happen because of this? Does this even lead to something? Is there even a plan?
Terrence Williams seems to get it The NBAPA says they're fighting for the average NBA player in this deal. I bet if you asked the average NBA player they would take the deal that was presented. The players aren't united at all, imo.
I doubt that they expect it to make it to court, because if they sue the NBA, I really doubt they'd get the contracts that they have now, or even comparable working conditions. My guess is they're banking on the simple threat being enough to scare the owners into giving them everything they want. Not realizing that they'll probably end up looking like the villain in this story AND do more PR damage than they realize.
Players griped all summer about having no leverage and getting taken advantage of. They just gave themselves a little leverage by tying this thing up in court for potentially a long time without either side knowing how the supreme court will rule on this (although one could guess with Roberts at the helm). I'm hoping for a restructure, but this could simply be an aggressive negotiation move in this continous tit for tat negotiations. Wouldn't be surprised if they were back at the negotiation table this year.
