Published online at SQ on October 6th 2011
Possibly the biggest talking point in the world of basketball at the moment is the potential NBA lockout for the forthcoming season.
After the current CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) contract expired between the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association and the NBA at the end of June, negotiations into player salaries have broken down, and with that the NBA season has been put on standby.
Whilst the NBA wants to implement a ‘hard’ salary cap that decreases salaries to combat wavering audience numbers, the players want to see their salaries increase, or at least stay the same. Both parties are standing firm on their proposals, with NBPA president and LA Laker Guard Derek Fisher explaining his disappointment in not reaching an agreement on labour, but reinforcing the player’s unity in preparing for whatever the lockout brings.
Much like the NFL lockout that happened this year as well, it is extremely unlikely that the lockout will last all season, as there is far too much at stake financially and professionally for the NBA to not resolve. This said the regular season looks increasingly unlikely to start on time, and as happened in the 1998 lockout, it may have to be shortened considerably.
At the time of writing, labour discussions were moving forward, but were nowhere near conclusive. However, its effect on European basketball could be of big benefit. Several high profile players have already considered relocating to Europe if the season falls short, including LA Laker superstar Kobe Bryant who claims he “hasn’t ruled out” playing abroad, with Turkish team Besiktas reportedly in contact with Bryant’s agent about a possible switch.
The likes of Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant and Denver Nuggets forward Gallinari are also looking to possible switches abroad, which at the cost of the NBA, will benefit European basketball massively, as the worlds best players may be forced to relocate and boost the publicity of other leagues, if only for a short while.
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