So basically I started this blog to just plug away when unoccupied and write on such topics as sports, the philosophies of a great (and extremely odd) former professional lacrosse player/highschool teacher, food talk, movie reviews and basically any general thoughts that I would like to share with others. I always had a dream of being a radio/television broadcaster and also dreamt of being a writer. So basically, I'm gonna "live the dream" through this blog.
Anyhow, a friend of mine named Cory Snoddon writes a blog called "The Sports Blog," (http://snoddon.blogspot.com/), a very intriguing site that analyzes the happenings of the sports world. I believe that the posts give great insight into these happenings.
Anyhow, Cory had just written a post on the 17th of July entitled "NHL vs. KHL," a very insightful post that gives insight into the European influence on (former) NHL players, and how some of them such as Jaromir Jagr, Martin Straka, Ray Emery and Alexander Radulov have agreed to contracts to play in the KHL.
Corey states, "In my opinion, it may be about time that the NHL really pushes to move into European markets or at least see what the market place is like for the game."
Anyhow, what does this have to do with my blog?
Well, I basically came across several articles on one of the websites I visit daily (slamonline.com) which covers basketball from the highschool to professional levels. These articles referred to the European influence on pro basketball players. One article I came across was entitled "Europe Continues to Siphon Talent from the NBA." This article highlights the number of NBA players that are taking a step in the direction of their NHL counterparts and commiting to IBL teams across the ocean. The article mentions that so far, Raptors gaurd Carlos Delfino, Grizzlies gaurd Juan Carlos Navarro, Raptors Center Primoz Brezec are all heading overseas. And don't think they aren't getting paid either. It's rumoured that "Navarro, who earned $538,000 with the Grizzlies last season, was swayed by a deal that will pay him between $20million and $24 million over the next four years." If this trend continues, look out NBA.
It's also important to note that the #1 college recruit out of highschool did not choose to go to college, and instead chose to make six figures for a year in Europe. Although his SAT's and grades were by no means excellent, Brandon Jennings was still eligible to play for a Division One school. With the new rule of the NBA needing players to be one year removed from highschool, many of the great NBA prospects cannot just jump into the NBA, and instead must play one year of college basketball. Or so, this is what they thought. Jennings has very likely started a revolution with his decision to play in Europe. How many kids will follow his example and head overseas after highschool? And if they do, can you really blame them? Instead of making no money while the college makes a huge gross off of these kids for one year (millions of dollars), why can't these kids make six figures? My point with Jennings is that it only takes one for others to follow, and when it comes to getting paid, why not? It's not like these kids even want to play for four years in college anyways. They just want to get their year in and leave.
So now, back to Cory's quote that states, "In my opinion, it may be about time that the NHL really pushes to move into European markets or at least see what the market place is like for the game." Basically I want to agree with this statement when it comes to the NBA as well. David Stern, commissioner of the NBA has stated that within a decade the NBA will expand into Europe (Sports Illustrated, NBA mulling idea of five-team expansion in Europe). I say that both sports go right ahead and get'er done. On a side note, get rid of the dam one year removed from highschool rule in the NBA. It's not like these guys are going to go out and getting a degree anyways... probably don't even pass any classes.
In closing, if and when the NHL and NBA expansion into Europe occurs, it will be a necessary step for both leagues in #1- attracting a global audience & #2- keeping the most talented players in the most talented league of their respective sport.
It's been fun writing my first blog. Who knows when I'll post the next one, but I'll try and do a few articles every month or so.
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4 comments:
Navid, great blog, very intreeging my friend. i really like how you break things down and show your emotion threw writing. will you please write one on how the LPGA players are able to play in the PGA events but the men cant play in the LPGA events.....what do you think of this Navid??? Where dem bitty's at??????
While reading the thoughts and insights of a fellow former OBA'r, i took Mr. Aghdasi opinion with a grain of salt. The notion of anyone thinking about supporting the expansion across the pond is pure lunacy. The toll the travelling will take on the players bodies would be way to much. Leaving US the fans with poorer performances, which would also equal bad TV. You look at players such as Vince Carter who choose when he wants to play the game, and picks which nights to "take off", i feel that this would happen more often. Leaving the league in north america is good enough, and acts like a filter to bring in the best players. If a player can't make the starting line up in the NBA, then obviously he isn't the most talented. Talking about players such as Brezec and Delfino isn't worth while. Although somewhat of role players, they are no better than mediocure; their talent level could also be replaced by any D-leaguer or college player. Which means they are replaceable.
To sum things up, Europe should stay a thought and a wonder.
The one solution i could think of is having two seperate NBA's, keep the playoff's seperate for the two leagues, have a final's for each league, then the winners should play each other to determine the ultimate WORLD CHAMPION, instead of the NBA champs calling themselves WORLD CHAMPIONS.
thats it thats all,
now give me some pepperoni sticks and cheese burgers
i agree that we should leave Europe out of it. The problem is their growing audience and their money attracting players. I really didn't care so much about Delfino and Brezec... but I do like Josh Childress quite a bit. He's a player.
With the reports of Biedrins from Golden State and Vujacic from LA also considering, I was quite worried. The result was the pro teams being forced to exceed the offers of the Euro teams and this results in less salary room for player. If anything, I think an adjustment should be made to the salaries. Though they are paid well enough wherever they play, the NBA needs to compete in order to keep the best players in the best league
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