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Stand United . . . in the unemployment line.
Congratulations, NBA players, you are intelligent enough to create rhetoric as awful and disgusting as the owners’ rhetoric. “Stand United.” “Let Us Play.” Really, Derek Fisher?
And you know who this rhetoric is fooling? The NBA players. Unlike the owners’ useless statements, which are only meant to outwit the media and fans, the players’ worthless phrases are only hurting their own position. The NBA Players Union is succeeding in uniting the players through their little marketing campaigns. The problem is, they are gathering at a point even further away from compromise. And when the owners are the ones holding the majority of the power in these discussions, the players’ “unity” only serves to drag out negotiations.
Will the owners ever fold and give in to what’s best for the players? Never. The players will have to make the biggest concessions before this lockout ends. Is that right or wrong? IT DOESN’T MATTER. It’s life – it’s not always fair. The bottom line is that the owners have the clout and financial ability to hold out as long as they have to to get what they want. The sooner the players pull their heads out of the rhetorical sand, the better for everyone.
The players, who have relatively short and volatile careers, don’t only have financial incentive to end this lockout. For both players and their teams, the more games missed, the bigger the potential negative impact on their basketball legacy. Look at who could lose the most:
- Boston Celtics Big 4- 2011-12 is likely their last chance to win a title with the current team
- Miami Heat Big 3 – if this season is canceled, they are already half-way through the LeBron/Wade/Bosh era (each of their contracts can potentially end in the summer of 2014), without a championship
- Dirk Nowitzki – would back-to-back titles even be possible with a year-long break in between seasons? Dirk isn’t getting any younger
- Derrick Rose – will the break affect his (and his team’s) journey to the top of the league?
- Kobe Bryant – at what age will his legs just fall off completely?
- Rookies – not only could Rookie of the Year be really competitive in 2012-13, but the first year as a pro often makes or breaks a career
Who is hurt most by the lockout? Those trying to establish their legacy.
And the list could go on for a while. I’m hoping that the players finally realize that they won’t get a better deal six months from now. Are the players really going to sacrifice their potential legacies just to prove that they are really united? Don’t be stupid, players – accept the best deal you can get as soon as possible.
What would it take to convince the union to give in? Honestly, simply a few key players could sway most of the league. Take most of the players on the above list. They are leaders of the league, as well as of their respective teams. If LBJ, D12, KG, and the other players with cool nicknames speak up for saving the season, others will follow.
Yes, the players have proven that they are stubborn and determined. But are they also determined to throw away their legacies?
Time is running out.
