The State of the NBA, Lock out soon?

[BGSRCGUY]

Im sure you have heard, but the NBA and some of its teams are in desperate need, losing millions and having to barrow from banks. One of my favorite sports writers, Bill Simmons wrote a interesting article I think is worth taking a look at. Will be a shame if there is a lockout and some players lose some prime years.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/st ... ons/090227

 

[G $MONEY$]

Interesting article. I had no idea how in trouble some of these teams are. 20 teams are gonna lose money this year? maybe this is the end of all those crazy 100 million dollar deals.

 

[Card Magnet]

If contracts weren't enough to buy small countries...

I would hate to see any kind of lock out. That would send tremors through alot of businesses that depend on the NBA. NBA apparel, trading cards, channels that normally show the game, my spare time...

 

[flightposite]

Not many people know/follow the NBA like Simmons, so I put a ton of faith in his article. Should be an interesting landscape to come.

 

[ChadHenne]

It would be very sad if it comes to this, that one of the 4 major sports franchises goes this far.

 

[KOBEARODLT]

lets hope not....it would be a very sad day for me

 

[BGSRCGUY]

Not many people know/follow the NBA like Simmons, so I put a ton of faith in his article. Should be an interesting landscape to come.

His humor and knowledge are both amazing. One day I do plan to go to a Clippers game with a sign that reads "Bill Simmons for Clippers GM"

I am sure he will get a kick out of that.

 

[KandKCards]

Sad, but for the money it costs, the NBA has always been the worst product of all the major sports. My dad used to work for an NBA team, and I remember that even despite the tickets being free, the games still cost us a lot, so I can't imagine how much it would be if you're paying $50 for upper level tickets. In this economy, how can anyone afford to go? Then add in the fact that slouches make so much money (Marbury got the "vet minimum" which is still over $1M) and I'm just not surprised by these struggles one bit. Even more than the other sports, I think the NBA is purely a disposable income, luxury type product. It seems like the NBA has always been selling more of an image than an actual entertaining product, and it's finally catching up with them. I heard a guy on the radio say the other day that he wants his kids to learn basketball but can't afford an NBA game, so he brought his kids to a CAA basketball game (Old Dominion vs. someone else IIRC), had a great time, saw teams who tried harder, and only paid like $10 per ticket. Our basketball program (Villanova) plays a few games a year at the 76ers arena, the Wachovia center. The most expensive non-suite tickets are $35, and we sold out last Saturday vs. Georgetown.
If people want to watch basketball, they are going to pay $35 for a hard-fought college game on Saturday afternoon, not $100 for a lazy scrimmage on Tuesday night.

 

[coltsfan23]

That was a very informative and interesting read, indeed!! Simmons brings up some very good points and it'll be interesting to see how the next few seasons play out.

 

[mlbsalltimegreats]

There will not be a Lock out. Although I dont have indepth details on how a lock out works ( I know that basics ) I know we have heard this before and I think Stern and everybody came to an agreement pretty quick. I guess I just dont see it while David Stern is still the commish.

 

[KOBEARODLT]

There will not be a Lock out. Although I have indepth details on how a lock out works ( I know that basics ) I know we have heard this before and I think Stern and everybody came to an agreement pretty quick. I guess I just dont see it while David Stern is still the commish.

yeah i dont see it happening with the likes of lebron james, kobe bryant, dwyane wade, dwight howard, cp3 and so on carrying the league.

 

[BGSRCGUY]

There will not be a Lock out. Although I dont have indepth details on how a lock out works ( I know that basics ) I know we have heard this before and I think Stern and everybody came to an agreement pretty quick. I guess I just dont see it while David Stern is still the commish.

It's not up to Stern. The article speaks of owners losing millions, while athletes believe they deserve more. Why would a owner losing money want to pay more(sure there are some Cuban/Buss etc) but that does not represent the majority of owners. The kings already showed how much they are feeling the money crisis, sending John Salmons and crew away for nothing. I wouldn't be suprised one bit if the league folds for a year. Maybe the NBDL players can take over =)

 

[mlbsalltimegreats]

There will not be a Lock out. Although I dont have indepth details on how a lock out works ( I know that basics ) I know we have heard this before and I think Stern and everybody came to an agreement pretty quick. I guess I just dont see it while David Stern is still the commish.

It's not up to Stern. The article speaks of owners losing millions, while athletes believe they deserve more. Why would a owner losing money want to pay more(sure there are some Cuban/Buss etc) but that does not represent the majority of owners. The kings already showed how much they are feeling the money crisis, sending John Salmons and crew away for nothing. I wouldn't be suprised one bit if the league folds for a year. Maybe the NBDL players can take over =)

Yea that the part I dont know. I assumed part of Sterns job if something like this was on the verge of happening was to mediate for both sides and help with comming to an agreement. I have no idea what or what not his role will be but I will say that he will not sit back and do nothing and if he accually is able to have more involvement than not being able to do anything I dont see a lock out happening. Atleast I hope not :| .

 

[ChadHenne]

If a lockout becomes a real threat, you would THINK that many players would give a couple million back to their team/NBA itselt to make sure it doesn't happen.

I mean,if I'm Lebron or Kobe and make 20 million a year or whatever, I would rather make 18 million or even 10 million and give money back than see a lockout and make nothing.

 

[pujolsjunkie]

There will not be a Lock out. Although I dont have indepth details on how a lock out works ( I know that basics ) I know we have heard this before and I think Stern and everybody came to an agreement pretty quick. I guess I just dont see it while David Stern is still the commish.

Um there was a lockout ten years ago with Stern as commish.

 

[Benson]

If a lockout becomes a real threat, you would THINK that many players would give a couple million back to their team/NBA itselt to make sure it doesn't happen.

The greatest quote from the last lockout c/o of Patrick Ewing, "We might make a lot of money but, we also spend a lot of money."

Oh, there will be a lockout.