The NBA lockout may not go as easily as owners expected. When Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets mentioned that he would play in Turkey if the NBA lockout spilled over into the 2011-12 season, some paid attention to the bold move. When Dwight Howard commented on playing overseas a few weeks ago, things became interesting.
However, once it was discovered that Kobe Bryant was in talks to play in Turkey during the lockout, it became the beginning of Armageddon for NBA owners.
Although Williams and Howard are both perennial All-Stars, Bryant is the NBA’s alpha dog and is possibly the most influential player in the league. If he signs with Turkey, expect LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and other All-Stars to make the trip overseas.
The mismanagement by the NBA owners has come back to haunt them. Unlike the team-oriented NFL, which is on the verge of resuming normal operations after a brief lockout, the NBA is built around star athletes. There are about 10-15 superstars that the league revolves around. As a result, replacement players will not satisfy a fan base who would want to see Bryant, James, Howard and Wade play basketball during the regular season.
If the teams overseas can increase ad revenue and ticket sales by having those players represent their teams, they will eventually be in a position to pay them as much as the NBA would during a normal season.
The NBA could be a forgotten league if the owners make the wrong move. And the day Bryant signs overseas could signify the beginning of the end. –amir shaw
