The NBA Lockout is Over! Let the Dribbling Begin…
The NBA Lockout is over! Just in time to give thanks for the month, we hear good things coming out of the NBA locker room. What happened and what are the damages? Many sources are suggesting that the owners won the battle, as they received more money this time around- a 50/50 split (three billion over the next ten years). The owners also negotiated favors in the way of revenue sharing, luxury tax and mid-level exceptions. Meanwhile, NBA players won leverage on minor issues such as minimum team salary and escrow.
So what happened? Why are we seeing another season of NBA action (not that we’re complaining) when so many players were boldly tweeting about going to play in Europe? Well, the likely answer is that (A) nobody REALLY wanted to go play in Europe; (B) a majority of players gradually came to see the advantages in settling, and outvoted the “hard-line” players who were holding out; (C) the money everyone was losing was simply too huge a weak, versus the money they were holding out for.
Unfortunately, some experts are suggesting that it was – not the players – but the owners responsible for losing money in the first place, and that the “same people are still in charge” which doesn’t bode well for the distant future. For the time being, NBA action is set to return, although the schedule will look slightly different than what we’re accustomed to seeing. Expect more back-to-back games, more games within divisions, and some teams playing the same competition twice instead of broadening out. It may lead to charges of an imbalance, but so late in the season nothing can be done.
Some sources are suggesting this “imbalance” could even favor younger teams, as older teams and rosters will suffer from the hard schedule and frequent travel. Keep your eyes on Thunder and the Bulls, and send lots of positive energy towards older teams like the Celtics, Lakers, Spurs, and Mavericks.
No one’s complaining at this point, however, because everyone was anxiously awaiting a new NBA season and now that we have it, we’re dribbling with anticipation! Get your NBA tickets now for your favorite team!
Categorized in: NBA