Celtics Title Town

The NBA in 1998 was a different league compared to today's foreign flavor. The US still dominated the Olympics,and the world championships in 98. Today's game has a major global effect. The number of  foreign born players has grown year by year. In 1998 the NBA players didn't even think about playing over seas. We have also seen in the past few years guys like Josh Childress leave to play over seas. With the global game becoming so huge,and apart of the new NBA life. NBA players if they want to make money during the lockout,and if they want to play at a high level going over seas is the answer.

From Wade:

"We've known that the lockout was a possibility for the last couple of years," he said. "It's not just something that came overnight. (Williams) didn't wake up and say, 'All right, go play in Turkey.' Obviously, this is something that he felt that if a lockout was to last a long time, 'I would consider playing.' It's because of the game. He wants to play the game, wants to play it at a high level, and if we can't play in the NBA, he's going to take that opportunity to try to play somewhere else. Hopefully, we don't get to that point, but if we do, I'm sure a lot of guys will possibly explore it."

About Kobe:

“We cannot give him the same money as he gets from the NBA, but if the money isn’t everything in this…” Ataman said. Well then, who knows? Kobe Bryant is willing to listen, and Besiktas and the rest of Europe and the Far East is undoubtedly willing to sell.

With Kobe and Williams looking to play in Europe and Asia. The NBA , and the owners face some problems. The players have a huge bargaining chip now. They can go over seas and play. They won't make a lot of money,and the NBA knows that. What problems could  the teams face? Their  star player coming back hurt,and tired. It seems like most of the players just want to play the game they love. The money isn't great,but it's still a lot of money to you and me.

The Celtics lost Kristic to Russia,and Sonny Weems signs with Lithuanian. That's just two players,and their are some other guys in the works. Those are not big name stars,but it's more than last seasons total of players leaving the NBA for Europe.

I think when  we actually see a player like Williams leave then we have something. The over seas plot line is one of many concerning the lockout.

Bonus Links:

Sonny Weems signs Lithuanian contract

Wade could see NBA stars heading overseas