Contraction?

Dare I say it? The word sends chills down the spines of NBA fans in 30 cities across the nation. Well, in reality, only about 4 or 5 cities are potential targets for the death blow that is franchise contraction. The way the lockout negotiations are shaping up, it may be the best chance the league has to play this season.

The quick financial rundown goes like this. The players have enjoyed a large slice of the pie during the past two labor deals. As recently as last year, they players received 57% of all basketball related revenues. That number, Basketball Related Revenues, is key to this entire lockout. The owners feel that 57% is too much. In a ridiculous offer, Commissioner Stern and the owners presented a plan to the players that would give the players only 46% of the revenues. 57% to 46% is a LARGE drop. Hence, the stalemate that is the NBA lockout.

How does contraction fit into the equation? If two teams were contracted, there would be less employees(players). Thus, the amount of money that the players are looking for would be the same, while letting the owners take their 50+% that they are demanding.

The candidates?
- New Orleans Hornets: They don't even have an owner.....
- The Sacramento Kings: The Maloof Brothers can't pay their bills. That is generally not a good business practice. Sorry Jimmer.
- The Charlotte Bobcats: MJ was a better player than owner.

I guess we'll wait and see. Who do you think should be contracted?

Malcolm Gladwell and the Economics of the Lockout

I recently devoured one of the best books I have ever read, Outliers: The Secret to Success by Malcolm Gladwell. Not only is Gladwell an extremely talented writer and one of the best thinkers of our day, but he is an avid sports fan.

Bring in the NBA Lockout.

Gladwell hasn't been the loudest critic of the Angel of Stern (Commissioner Stern) and the NBA owners, but his arguments are some of the most thought provoking to date. In his two contributions to the best new sports website around, grantland.com, Gladwell has carefully punched holes in the Owners' reasoning behind locking their players. His latest assault, has been blowing up the bloggersphere and twitter. It attacks Stern's overused claim that the economic model of professional basketball is broken. To avoid getting a watered down version from me, please read it for yourself here:

"The Nets and NBA Economics"


As always, Enjoy Responsibly.

Twitter Handle

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LOCKOUT COMPARISON

(Commissioner Stern: 1998)

The last time the NBA experienced an extended lockout was in 1998. In an attempt to put the current lockout into perspective, let’s compare our current labor negotiations to those of 1998.

September 24, was a key date in 1998. It was the day that the NBA canceled 24 preseason games and postponed team training camps indefinitely.

A similar bridge was crossed one day earlier this time around. Last Friday, September 23, the NBA canceled 43 preseason games and postponed the start of training camps. It is surprising how eerily similar the time lines of the two lockouts are shaping up.

This will be a common feature in NBA Lockout Talk. Please leave suggestions in the comment section of different lockout topics you would like to read about and discuss!

(Commissioner Stern: 2011)

Doesn't Look Right: D-Will in Turkey

Arguably the biggest NBA start to jump overseas during the extended NBA lockout, Deron Williams hit the ground running in Turkey on Saturday. In his first appearance with his new club, Beskitas, Williams put up big numbers with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in just over eighteen minutes. With Williams success overseas, it may sway other NBA All-Stars decide to take their talents across the pond. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The What and Why

I'm just a fan. I'm a fan hoping for an NBA Season. I'm also a fan looking for any NBA talk available during the extended lockout. I hope to gather thoughts, insights and updates about the NBA and the labor negotiations together on one accessible forum. Please read, leave comments and give ideas.