The International influence is center stage this summer. From Josh Childress fleeing to Europe, several European players returning to their homeland and China hosting the most anticipated international tournament in recent memory.
The Tournament in China got me thinking. The Olympic showcase for China may be followed up by two of their own hoisting an NBA Championship within the next 4 years! Yes, I said it first. The acquisition of Ron Artest in Houston has certainly made them a contender in the West, that is if T-Mac and Yao can remain healthy for just ONE season. When King James arrives in Brooklyn in two years Yi Jianlian may ride the Kings coattail to a championship. The Olympics, Yao and Yi with rings, as if basketball wasn't already soaring in the far east.
Of course there is the X factor to this prediction and that is the other international element in the forefront this summer. The exodus to Europe. If one of these Euro teams actually pays the Kings ransom of 50M a year can Lebron say no to that kind of money? Can anyone blame Lebron for accepting 50M a year? Of course not and this plays into Brons ego of being an international superstar. This of course should be on the mind of David Stern and the NBA owners. Having the best player in the league leave for Europe is not good but there is a more important element that must be addressed. Europe can't afford to pull all the stars out of the USA, yet. They can however pay the 1st year players far more. This is the issue Stern and the owners must have the foresight to remedy before the Durants and the Beasleys of the future head to Europe before they even step foot on the NBA hardwood.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment