2011 NBA LOCKOUT

[Uncle Mxy]

Do the NBA players get to file for unemployment while this is happening??

[Glenn]

Lots of reports today of players looking to head overseas. This might move quickly, because it sounds like there are a limited amount of Euro spots available, which is why Krstic went so quickly a few weeks ago. There's always China, too.

Just saw a great question/point made on twitter. Did Stern's desire/push to expand the game internationally make the lockout less effective as a bargaining strategy?

[Uncle Mxy]

Just saw a great question/point made on twitter. Did Stern's desire/push to expand the game internationally make the lockout less effective as a bargaining strategy?

It could cut both ways. If Stern wanted the show to go on, he has a large body of professional "scabs" to tap from.

[Glenn]

True, true. If those scabs can get out of those contracts, that is.

[Uncle Mxy]

http://espn.go.com/blog/TrueHoop/pos...end-of-the-cba

[BIG BEN'S FRO]

You guys ever find it funny that its always the guys with the millions in contracts and edorsements are the ones who say they are willing to sit out the next season?

[Glenn]

The lockout saved Mike Beasley from a suspension for mary jane possession.

[Vinny]

Just saw a great question/point made on twitter. Did Stern's desire/push to expand the game internationally make the lockout less effective as a bargaining strategy?

I think the top level salaries are just so much higher here though, it would be difficult for this to work for the players long-term. Sure, foreign teams are willing to make a splash with a couple players for big money, or even several players for a year or two, but they just don't have the infrastructure and TV money to make that work on a long-term basis.

It could be made to happen in theory, sure, but you're talking 4-5 years and a massive investment to make it so, and I doubt anyone's really going to risk all that money just to see the lockout end in 8 months and the plan become worthless.

[Vinny]

You guys ever find it funny that its always the guys with the millions in contracts and edorsements are the ones who say they are willing to sit out the next season?

That's what was just so stupid of the NFLPA putting Brady and Manning as the face of their lawsuit. Not going to win yourself much sympathy.

[Glenn]

I think the top level salaries are just so much higher here though, it would be difficult for this to work for the players long-term. Sure, foreign teams are willing to make a splash with a couple players for big money, or even several players for a year or two, but they just don't have the infrastructure and TV money to make that work on a long-term basis.

It could be made to happen in theory, sure, but you're talking 4-5 years and a massive investment to make it so, and I doubt anyone's really going to risk all that money just to see the lockout end in 8 months and the plan become worthless.

I agree about the limited long-term viability of big name players staying overseas for 4+ years, but how badly does it hurt the NBA if it even has to go a year or two without a handful of major stars, I think it hurts a lot.