Reggie Jackson exercising financial caution during the lockout – NBA Update
On July 1st 2011, the National Basketball Association proceeded with a lockout on its players which will remain active until the NBA owners and the players association reach a new collective bargaining agreement.
Players are not paid or traded during the lockout and in addition to that they are not allowed to conduct meetings, practices and workout with the team.
Naturally during this period, the players have to keep their expenses at the minimum. This is what exactly the rookie of Oklahoma City Thunder, Reggie Jackson, is doing by living in a moderate apartment and renting a car. Not
having a home and a car of his own, Jackson seemed modest to call his rented apartment a nice spot with a nice rate. He uses his car to go for workouts or for other commitments.
“I've grown up not being super wealthy. So I'm just getting by. Basketball's never been about money and never will be. I'm living comfortably enough to where I'm satisfied. But I'm also not out there buying a big house and a big
car. I'm OK with settling for less fancy things,” said Jackson.
The Deputy Commissioner of NBA, Adam Silver, regarded the old agreement as the reason of its losses and is expecting the new one to be able to meet the needs of the game, players, fans and teams.
The fact that NBA players are heavily paid and most of them are millionaires, does not overrule the fact that they have to cut down their expenses until the lockout ends. The other players might have had enough in their accounts
to last long enough but this NBA rookie had took a loan. He regarded it as a means to get through the rough period.
This might not be the kind of life he would have thought of as a rookie. The owners of teams should realize it that this will de-motivate the players like him.
He was the only pick by the Oklahoma Thunder City in 2011 NBA draft. However, the team did not need anyone as a centre or forward but this is something the team is used to do. They often pick players in the drafts and then give
them the time to develop themselves before being called in the big league.
He had played as a point guard in Boston College and then joined NBA. The major reason that he and other rookies are suffering is because of the cancellation of Summer Leagues in Orlando and Las Vegas. The first pro check is still
not given to this player and he is relying on the small amount he took as a loan.
He was of the view that these things did not matter as long as he would get where he wanted to be. Jackson is relying on the guidance of his agency and manger and the support of some experienced players like Trevor Ariza and Danny
Granger.
The situation is difficult for the other rookies who have been facing the lock out for the first time in their careers and they are also planning their expenses accordingly.
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