http://www.nypost.com/seven/07142008/sports/knicks/shaky_deal_119797.htm?page=1 I guess this is how low the Grizzlies have sunk.
I don't blame him. Who would want to play for that joke of a franchise? They soiled themselves last season. Until they get an owner committed to winning and a coach who is capable of succeeding at the NBA level, they will remain trash.
How long before the 'HE IS PROPERTY . . er. . HE MAKES MILLIONS . . . HE SHOULD DO AS HE TOLD" folx will be here? . . . Rocket River
ROFLMAO !! No doubt......I never understand why people complain about a player doing whatever is in his best interest. They have a limited life span as a career they should do whatever it takes to maximize their earning potential and be happy in their career. DD
I think one difference here to some other cases might be that IF his agent did this, it was done in a sort of "clever" way...before an eventual trade happened. I don't have a problem with trying to look out for one's best interests - but I have a problem with not honoring contractual rules or making benefits but acting like one is a poor slave (like soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo is doing right now...) just because one doesn't get one's way. Now, if the trade had happened and he would not report or threaten not to report, I would look at it differently - then I would be one of the crowd you mention.
Why wouldn't he sign a long term contract with the Grizzlies? They're likely to be a team in the position to show him the money. Giving up a 5th pick they Grizzlies might have wanted a guarantee of sorts, ie contract extension. Grizzlies made an offer, agent thinks he can get more in free agency, no deal?
really memphis? i love David Lee but the #5 pick in a pretty decent draft is worth much more than just David Lee.
I wouldn't say he should do as he's told but...dang...David Lee? He's just a role player, i would think going to Memphis would be perfect for him to inflate his stats and get a fat contract. I hope nobody replies with that he's all about winning crap saying that random "urban" player is more about the money.
Vancouver is a nice city I have to say..Its just the basketball environment is not right. Even if the lakers came in town back at their championship years the attendence is not close to full.
Well, I think the difference here is that the Grizzlies are getting a guy who is up for a new contract rather than a rookie. It seems like (the article is kind of vague) Lee didn't say that he wouldn't play out his current contract with the Grizzlies, only that he wouldn't be interested in re-signing there when this current contract is done. I think this is the smartest way to handle such a situation - he won't get a reputation as a whiner and he avoids hurting his trade value for his current team. Compare this to someone who is drafted, who knows that NBA rules require him to play wherever he is drafted, and then refuses to cooperate, and it's a much different situation.
my thoughts exactly, like his game, but not for number five pick, battier trade type deal. you end up in the lotto, you take chances
Why would you look at it differently? Players sign with teams with the thought that they will be in that city/on that team for that period of time. Do you have a problem with the team being able to trade the player for whatever reason, when it's in their best interests? I have no problem with players choosing to sit out or not reporting. If they want to forego their millions then go right ahead.
Because if someone says he most probably won't re-sign with the same team, he is basically just helping them make an informed decision for the future, but not in any way breaking any rules nor threatening to. On the other hand, if someone first enters the draft, but then refuses to report to the team that drafted him, he is breaking rules (or threatening to, if he says he will not report). I think subtomic explained what I meant better than I did.
