NBA players including Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose expected to play exhibition matches in Australia
Amidst the lockout fiasco, there has been more development with regards to players going abroad to play basketball. This time however, the news is not regarding a transfer to a foreign league, but rather regarding an exhibition
tour that might be held in Australia.
The tour is expected to feature big names such as Kevin Durant, Pau Gasol and Derrick Rose. Kevin Durant comes as no surprise as he has been in the news regarding just about everything, since the inception of the lockout. Gasol
and Rose had maintained a low profile until now and have finally made the news.
Other NBA players are expected to feature as well. If the event does go through, it ought to be a spectacular event and will go a long way in promoting the sport down in Australia. Not only will this provide the players the opportunity
to get back on the court, it will also help them land a decent amount of cash.
It is reported that the games are going to be held at the Rod Laver Arena, the centre court of the world famous Australian Open. The Australian open is one of the four Grand slam events in Tennis; the other three being Wimbledon,
the US Open and the French Open.
The arena should not pose any trouble, as tennis courts have often been used as makeshift basketball courts in the NBA. The phoenix suns have played the last few seasons at Indian Wells. Apart from that many preseason games are
held at tennis venues.
Regarding the most important questions of insurance and tour management costs, it has been reported that the players have found sponsors to take care of all such matters. This has not only come as a surprise but is in fact quite
encouraging for the players.
It seems that if insurance costs are being covered, no player would mind having a run around on the international stage. Players often enjoy playing in exhibition matches. An example being the recent event in Philippines, where
the likes of Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and Derrick Rose took on the PBA All stars and produced a stunning display.
There is also a lot of effort being undertaken to organize such exhibition tours to China. If the lockout continues in its current state we are bound to see the likes of Australia and China land the biggest stars of the game.
The no compromise attitude of the NBA executives has caused much frustration for the players. The union has consistently tried to hold meetings with the owners; however, things have not worked out so far. This might be an opportunity
for the players to show David Stern that they can earn money even if the league remains locked out.
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