Kemba Walker opens up about going overseas during lockout – NBA Update
NBA Rookie Kemba Walker doesn’t want to play in a foreign country so early in his career, but if situation arises, he has that option up his sleeve. The Charlotte Bobcats draftee has always dreamed of playing in the NBA, but he
might have to wait longer than expected.
At present, Kemba is just not sure. Speaking to Washington Times in an interview, the point guard revealed that his decision would most probably be made for him by the NBA lockout.
“I’ve been thinking about it [playing overseas] lately. I don’t really want to because I don’t know if I want to go so far away,” Walker said. “But if it’s something that has to be done, it could be possible, depending how long
we go into this lockout. I just want to play basketball.”
Walker was one of the more sought after talents in this year’s draft and the Bobcats were lucky to pick him at number nine, a position not befitting his credentials. However, the NBA lockout and the slim hopes for an end to it
any time soon have put that future on delay for the NCAA Champion.
Ever since the lockout was enforced, many NBA players have taken the overseas route. Players like Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets and Kenyon Martin of the Denver Nuggets are some of the bigger names to have made the move.
But, for first round draft picks, such as Walker, going abroad is risky business.
First of all, they are never going to make the sort of money they would in United States. Plus, if their foreign adventure does not go too well, or they get injured, the NBA contract promised to them might no longer be available
once they come back.
Therefore, one can understand the pressure situation facing Walker. The youngster does seem to have a level head on his shoulders though, and said during the interview that he understands the need for the players to get a good
deal done. He believes the delay in the arrival of said day is understandable and necessary.
“I’ve always had big dreams about playing in the NBA, and the year I come out, we have a lockout. But at the same time, we want to make the best deal possible for us as players in the long run.”
For now, Walker and the rest of the 2011 NBA Rookie class can do nothing but wait for a resolution of the NBA labour dispute with baited breath, hoping that they can start their careers in the big league soon.
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