Potential lockout is causing controversy

A huge issue going on in the NBA right now is the possibility of a lockout. The lockout will not cancel the rest of the games, but it will shut down any buisness that goes on within the NBA. This means that the players will not be getting paid despite their legal contracts they sign with the owners.

Ironically, the same thing is going on in the NFL. Many people have not heard about the possibility of a NBA lockout because the NFL news has filled the media, but many say the NBA lockout is going to happen and that there is no way around it.

What kind of effects will this have on the league?

A main issue is the potential recruits coming out of college into the draft. Many of the players are sophmore or junior level so if this lockout happens it will likely force them to stay with their college team until the matter is resoveled. This means a lot of the top players will not be entering the NBA draft. The key is to go high in the draft because your more than likely going to be paid more. But, with the possibility of playing no games and not getting paid, many say they will just stay in college.

Another issue steming from this controversy is that of the Olympics coming up in London. Qualifying is near and countries are putting together thier teams. Many of the NBA players are foreign and have the chance to either play with their native country or the U.S. The idea of this lockout has caused some to consider just playing for the country they were born in. One main person is All-Star Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki is a very talented player who is probably going to see his last chance at Olympic basketball because of his age. He is a key asset to the U.S. team but is really considering playing for his home country, Germany, because of this lockout.

Not only will it affect the future of the NBA, player contracts and the Olympic team, but it will also affect the players wanting to still play. Jason Kidd has been playing in the NBA since 1994 and is a very well know player. Kidd has said that if this lockout happens he is highly considering retiring early. Many of the older players who are the face of the NBA do not want to have to deal with the controversy since the end of their career is near anyway. This lockout could force some of the most well-known and loved players out of the NBA.