Los Angeles Clipper centre Chris Kaman says he is open to any opportunity – NBA Lockout News
Los Angeles Clippers big man Chris Kaman has declared that if the NBA lockout persists, he would be open to moving abroad for next season. Kaman is currently with the German Men’s national basketball team competing in the FIBA EuroBasket tournament being played in Lithuania.
The NBA locked out its players on July 1st after failing to resolve a labour dispute. The dispute stems from the NBA owners demands for drastic changes to the financial system in the new CBA, which the players have vehemently opposed so far. The result is the third month of lockout and not many signs pointing towards an end.
The NBA season can therefore be lost, with most people convinced that at least part of it will be called off. In the uncertain situation many NBA players have decided to pack their bags and move abroad for a season, while many more are considering the action.
Chris, who has had offers from a few European sides, declared in a recent interview that he would definitely consider such opportunities. The player holds a German passport and it would be easier for him to work in Europe than some other NBA stars. The Clippers centre revealed that he just wants some clarity on the NBA lockout situation before making a final decision.
"I totally would. I'm open to any opportunity," Kaman said.
"I just haven't got to the point where I know what's happening with the NBA yet. I want to at least wait to October to figure out if there's going to be any kind of talks about the season. We'll see what happens then."
According to FIBA rules Kaman will have to have a release clause inserted into any contract he signs with a foreign team that will allow him to return to the Los Angeles Clippers if the NBA lockout ends in time to salvage the season.
Kaman is not the only one in the German national team in this situation. Dallas Mavericks star and NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki is in the same boat. Dirk too has had many offers to play in Europe in light of the labour situation in the NBA.
The giant German has gone on record saying he would consider such offers, and believes to have a preference of playing in his home country.
If either of the two German stalwarts decides to move ship it could come as a significant blow to NBA Commissioner David Stern. The National Basketball Players Association has openly encouraged NBA players to seek employment overseas as a means of putting pressure on David Stern and the NBA. High profile cases such as Kaman and Nowitzki would certainly be of a big help to the union.
Tags: