NBA Players Overseas, Do It For The Fans

Kobe Bryant (Lakers) on Nike Tour in China

Over the last month and a half NBA fans are getting two types of information concerning the league.  One, there is still no deal between the players and owners and games will likely be lost.  The other is that NBA players are seriously considering, and some have already, decided to play overseas during a lockout.

To be honest, I'm split on this, but for selfish reasons.  NBA owners and David Stern could get a rude awakening when they finally realize that the same Basketball without Borders they have been promoting for so many years could now bite them in the butt.  The truth is basketball players are now international-celebrity-athletes.  With things like the Nike Tours to China, FIBA Tournaments and the internet among many other things, hardcore basketball fans exist all over the world.  There is not one country that wouldn't offer a player of Kobe's, Durant's or Wade's caliber, or even lesser known players to play a year in their country in the event of a full-season lockout.  Arenas would be sold out faster than most rock concerts and fan appreciation for the rare appearances of these types of players would only fuel the fire.  Yes, the NBA can pay them more, but it's as simple as the players saying "If you don't pay me, someone else will."  So as far as teaching the owners and David Stern that fans are the backbone of every sport, I encourage players going overseas.

The only fault I can find in players going overseas is that North American fans will likely never see the games.  Now that is a problem for me.  Any NBA affiliated tv station will likely not air the games and even highlights might be hard to come by.  Even with internet streaming of games and Youtube helping addicts get their fix, it will be nothing like having a full season of nationally televised games.  On the other hand, countries that never get to see these players live could now get their chance.  This perhaps still playing into Stern's hand as free publicity, but still a fan's dream come true.