Washington Wizards Rookie Chris Singleton opens up on the NBA Lockout
“There’s definitely some guys in there saying that they’re ready to fold, but the majority are willing to stand strong.”
This statement by Washington Wizards JaVale McGee not only made the headlines last month but stirred the NBPA. Derek Fisher and Billy Hunter were amongst the people who were hurt the most because they had been making claims since
months that all players were united in the cause.
Then, just last week, yet another catastrophic development shook NBPA. It was learned that 50 players took part in a teleconference and unanimously decided to decertify Union in case the lockout lingered any longer.
So, it’s clear NBPA has failed to administer their PR front whereas on the other side, owners have showed significant unity and no such obnoxious event has been witnessed from their side yet.
Apart from these players and owners, there are few individuals such as Washington Wizards Rookie Chris Singleton, who was supposed to make his NBA debut this season that have also come forward and have spoken about their perspective
on this whole imbecile lockout and player’s position in it.
In an interview with ESPN in Miami recently, disappointed 21 year old Chris didn’t clearly blame the owners for the lockout and openly said “Everyone is greedy. Everyone wants money. That’s the way the world works. I don't have
any say so because I'm a rookie”
Questioned if he thinks some players are planning to give up to owners demand to get at least something than nothing at all, his reply was pretty striking and a justified one as he said
“I mean, that's in some peoples' minds, but our board members are just trying to do the best for everybody. You know the superstars are going to get their money. We're trying to see how much the max contracts are going to be. I
feel like the superstars are going to be fine, but it's just how much money are the owners willing to put out now? They've given 15 to 20 million -- some ridiculous amount -- to some people who don't even play 85 percent of the season. You've got to go out
there and earn it”
Singleton later said, players might not get a coveted deal but he hopes things work out between both sides soon so he and other rookies get a chance to showcase their talent.
Players have already shown flexibility and have lowered their BRI split demand from 57 to 52.5 percent, so it is now all in the hands of NBA. It will be interesting to see, how long this unity that has already been tainted survives.
Will the players succumb to the pressure and give up? Only time will tell.
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