The possibility of a lockout in the NBA is still more than a month away. But according to nearly everyone closely watching the Association’s labor issues, it seems to be a near certainty that there will be a work stoppage. In that case, New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams is starting to check out other options.
Via ESPN New York:
“I’m already looking into playing overseas,” said Williams, who was in Santa Monica, Calif., Tuesday taking part in an event featuring his favorite video game series, Call of Duty. “I haven’t looked anywhere in general; I’m just looking into the possibility of playing over there. But I’m not going to make a decision until after the CBA.”
Williams made just under $15 million last season playing basketball, meaning he should be one of the players able to withstand a prolonged work stoppage. His desire to go abroad and play highlights how much he just wants to play.
However, there was one disconcerting statement by Williams during the interview:
“I’m not even going to talk about it,” Williams said. “I’m going to let that work itself out. I think a lot of people open their mouths and shouldn’t be talking about the CBA. Let the people handle it that need to handle it. I don’t know enough about it to be running off at the mouth.”
If I’m part of the NBA Players Association leadership, I don’t have a problem with one of my star constituents saying he’s not really up for talking about it. What would bother me is that star admitting he doesn’t know much about what’s going on. The NFLPA went out of its way to make sure their players were as informed as they could possibly be. The NBA negotiations are shaping up to be even more rancorous than the NFL’s and NBA players will need even more unity to get through it. Not knowing the issues involved doesn’t help that.
But the good news is that any team (American or otherwise) counting on Williams’ services next season should be encouraged about his health. After having surgery on his wrist, it’s promising that he can play hours of video games without any negative consequences.