Los Angeles Clippers’ star Blake Griffin reluctant to move abroad during lockout – NBA Update
As the lockout saga continues, more and more players are considering a move out of NBA and into the foreign leagues. It is expected that if the FIBA issues a legal ruling in favour of Deron Williams’ move to Besiktas, the flood
gates will open and a mass exodus of players will be witnessed.
While many, including superstars like Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and Dwyane Wade, have shown interest in moving abroad to play in the international arena, one player has shown more reluctance rather than willingness. He goes by
the name of Blake Griffin, the Los Angeles Clippers prodigy, who bewitched the league with his high flying, gravity defying, and jaw dropping dunks last season. Griffin has not shown much interest in moving abroad. In fact, he hasn’t given it much thought
either.
“I haven't really looked into going over there and playing for a team,” stated Griffin in an earlier interview.
However, Griffin also did not rule out any such possibility. “But you never say never. I don't know what kind of situations are out there. We'll see how the end of this offseason shapes up, and I'll probably make a decision from
there.”
The current ‘rookie of the year’, wants to wait and see how things fold over the coming few months. He has however shown confidence in the league and the player’s union representatives, and is optimistic that a collective bargaining
agreement will be reached before it is too late.
“I hope so,” said Griffin, in a tone laden with expectation “I know all the players want to be playing. We don't want to miss the season, so hopefully it does get done and everything goes how it's supposed to.”
Last year’s Slam Dunk Contest winner has chosen to adopt a diplomatic stance over the issue, primarily because he is not comfortable with the thought of moving abroad, as of now at least. It is quite evident that the flamboyant
forward wants to apply his trade in the NBA rather than anywhere else.
The whole overseas saga was initiated by Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets, who recently inked a deal with Turkish side Besiktas.
Griffin stated that he is aware of the fact that some individuals are seriously considering possible moves outside of the NBA. However, he believes that not all players think the same way and it basically depends on an individual’s
own desire and comfort level.
Griffin’s ambivalence and lack of thought towards this issue is reflective of his youthful ambitions. He had an outstanding rookie season in the NBA last year and has high hopes and aspirations to do big things in the league.
It might very well be the case that his dreams in the NBA are too great for him to be able to look beyond them as of now. People like Bryant and Wade have spent quite some time in the NBA and hence, probably view this as a refreshing
opportunity to get a year or two of international exposure.
On the other hand, if the lockout issue is resolved, most players might turn their focus away from the international arena and back to the NBA. Blake Griffin is definitely going to be one the first few to do so.
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