Kendrick Perkins says he has given thought to a move abroad – NBA Update
Oklahoma City Thunder centre Kendrick Perkins has added his name to the growing list of NBA players considering playing abroad. The NBA is embroiled in a bitter labour dispute that caused the league to lockout its player on July
1st. As the chance to save a NBA season decreases by the day, more players are considering finding other avenues to display their talents.
Perkins’ stance is not that different from other NBA players at the moment. While a few have already signed for teams overseas, such as Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets, the majority of NBA players are still waiting for an
outcome of the player-owner negotiations which have been going on to try and find a compromise.
If the two sides don’t find a way to agree on a new CBA in time, and thus the NBA season is cancelled, Perkins hand could be forced.
“Yeah, I thought about it,” Perkins is quoted as saying by News OK. “I'm just trying to decide. I'm waiting to see how far they'll go with the lockout. It's all timing. It will come time to decide. I have thought about it.”
Perkins’ more glamorous teammate, Kevin Durant, has also been linked with a move overseas. Durant’s standpoint is not that different from that of Kendrick, with both players saying a move depends on the NBA lockout.
Kevin was even present for the latest negotiation session held between the NBA owners and players in New York on Friday, which ended without much headway. Although Kendrick Perkins is not as high profile a star as Durant, and has
somewhat flown below the radar this summer, he says he is very much in touch with the situation.
“It's my job, so I've been calling and asking about it every day,” Perkins said. “I'm excited to get back on the court. But right now, we're still so far apart. It's my job and my livelihood, so I'm keeping a very close eye on
it.”
The situation at the moment though, does not look good for the players. According to estimates, the NBA players are set to lose much more money than the owners if the season for 2011-2012 is cancelled.
During the last NBA lockout, many games were lost and a shortened season of 50 games was played. This time things look to be heading for the same route. The league has already cancelled training camps, which were scheduled to begin
on 3rd October, and the pre-season games. Analysts believe that if an agreement in principle cannot be reached with the next few days then a delay in the start of the season would be inevitable.
If that were to happen, Perkins and many other players could head for greener pastures abroad.
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