Jason Kidd, Grant Hill: NBA Players who might not return if the Lockout lasts for long (Part-1)
It has been more than two weeks, since NBA locked out its players and up till now, there has not been any substantial progress in sorting out the disagreements between the NBA owners and players union. With each passing day, it appears that this work stoppage is going to be a lengthy one.
While many players are considering their options to play overseas and keep themselves in shape until the association gets back to business, a long-lasting lockout may put an end to the career of some aging players in the league.
The NBA lockout became official on 1st of July following the expiration of the previous Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Last time, when the league faced this scenario, they decided to cut down the number of games played in the season. This time, the focus is on introducing the hard salary cap in the new CBA to bring down the wages, contract length and revenue sharing of the players and the issue are seem so critical in nature that the negotiations can take months, when they do start that is.
Both the parties are nowhere close from making a settlement at the moment. If the lockout wipes out the games next season, this could mean that some veterans might have already played their final games. Here is the list of players who may not be seen on the court again as a result of a lengthy hold-up.
Jason Kidd
The veteran guard of the Dallas Mavericks, Jason Kidd is among the oldest players in NBA at the age of 38. Kidd has been a constant double-double threat throughout his career and even at the twilight of his career, he is considered as one of the best point guards in the league. Last season, Kidd finally managed to furnish his resume with a championship ring with the Mavericks. However, the lockout that ensued took the gloss off one of the most competitive finals in NBA history and Dallas Mavericks first ever championship.
Kidd is in the in the finals phase of his splendid career and had indicated after winning his first ever NBA championship that he may play a couple of more seasons. However, the prolific swingman, who was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks as the second overall pick in 1994, may mark his name in the go-list if the work stoppage disrupts the next season completely.
Kidd now holds everything under his belt which an NBA player can dream of and might come up with the decision of retiring due to a lengthy lockout.
Grant Hill
The 38-year-old Phoenix Suns small forward Grant Hill is another contender who might decide to hang up his boots if the lockout terminates the 2011-2012 season.
Although, Hill is still very active and played all games in the last three seasons with an average of almost 30 playing minutes per game, however, the age factor might force him to call it quits if the lockout uncertainty prolongs.
The seven-time NBA All-Star was drafted after Jason Kidd in 1994 as the third overall pick by the Detroit Pistons. In the years that followed both of them stamped their authority on the league. Hill, however never got his hands on the championship title and that might be the only thing that can keep him going.
Tags: