Question?

[superb1]

Since the union is not representing the players now, can the NBA open it's doors and start recruiting street players, foreigners and journeymen non-NBA players to play some type of basketball. Then start off new with system rules and etc. If NBPA players want to defect and play ball it would be under a new system. Not sure how this would work or if it is legal. But since the union is not bargaining for players is this possible.

[dav7z]

A replacment league ? Thats a good question . I asked the same question on the lock out thread but got no responce. I did read the rookies was ready to play and failing a law suit .GOOD QUESTION.

[SWedd523]

It's a possibility but highly unlikely.


First, Stern would have to lift the lockout, which won't happen because this fight is going to the courts.
Second, the owners would have to have permission to go back and talk to the players about deals
Then, there'd have to be another labor deal agreed upon with the new players where they'll probably be forced to take unfavorable conditions

Just seems like too many roadblocks to me.


The best bet is for a large faction of the players to get together and demand a re-vote on the last proposed CBA, and then ratifying it before the court process goes too far. They already have the rookies and handfuls of players here and there. They just have to get more and get together. But it would require them to undermine their reps, which could get bad in court as well

[superb1]

It's a possibility but highly unlikely.


First, Stern would have to lift the lockout, which won't happen because this fight is going to the courts.
Second, the owners would have to have permission to go back and talk to the players about deals
Then, there'd have to be another labor deal agreed upon with the new players where they'll probably be forced to take unfavorable conditions

Just seems like too many roadblocks to me.


The best bet is for a large faction of the players to get together and demand a re-vote on the last proposed CBA, and then ratifying it before the court process goes too far. They already have the rookies and handfuls of players here and there. They just have to get more and get together. But it would require them to undermine their reps, which could get bad in court as well

But I thought is was the actual players who are/were represented by the NBPA who were locked out. Does that include players that never played in the NBA such as foreign players, street ball players, undrafted players, etc. Is there a rule against replacement players

[SWedd523]

Well keep in mind, Stern has to first allow owners to talk to players, which won't happen because it'd undermine the league's position in these court proceedings

[Sik Infant]

It's a possibility but highly unlikely.


First, Stern would have to lift the lockout, which won't happen because this fight is going to the courts.
Second, the owners would have to have permission to go back and talk to the players about deals
Then, there'd have to be another labor deal agreed upon with the new players where they'll probably be forced to take unfavorable conditions

Just seems like too many roadblocks to me.


The best bet is for a large faction of the players to get together and demand a re-vote on the last proposed CBA, and then ratifying it before the court process goes too far. They already have the rookies and handfuls of players here and there. They just have to get more and get together. But it would require them to undermine their reps, which could get bad in court as well

I agree wholheartedly SWEDD, it's too hard to make it happen using replacements.

I like the second idea & the players as a whole should definitely undermine their reps who obviously don't have their best interests at heart.

[ND22]

I am all for this, solely because we would get a basketball version of "The Replacements" starring Keanu Reeves as Steve Nash's replacement.

[Toocool]

I am all for this, solely because we would get a basketball version of "The Replacements" starring Keanu Reeves as Steve Nash's replacement.

I'll agree if we find a chick as mighty fine as Annabelle (chick from the movie)
I'm thinking...Jordan Fish would do the trick.

[ziggy]

It's a possibility but highly unlikely.


First, Stern would have to lift the lockout, which won't happen because this fight is going to the courts.
Second, the owners would have to have permission to go back and talk to the players about deals
Then, there'd have to be another labor deal agreed upon with the new players where they'll probably be forced to take unfavorable conditions

Just seems like too many roadblocks to me.


The best bet is for a large faction of the players to get together and demand a re-vote on the last proposed CBA, and then ratifying it before the court process goes too far. They already have the rookies and handfuls of players here and there. They just have to get more and get together. But it would require them to undermine their reps, which could get bad in court as well

I agree with Swedd that a league of replacement players would be highly unlikely, but the whole concept is fascinating.

The owners could say this is the deal and these are our rules. Players get 38%, owners get 62%... If you want to be a part of it, then come on down and we'll work out a deal.

You'd get street players at first, then D-League caliber players, but I would give it a month tops before the majority of most rosters were filled with NBA caliber players.

If the owners rewrote all of the financial rules, they could even make most contracts UN-guaranteed like the NFL. You could sign 15 street street level guys, then when one of your NBA guys comes back cut the street guy with no loss whatsoever.

Boris wants to come back. Hey Boris, your contract is now un-guaranteed and do some sit-ups.

Gana... Hand him a Greyhound ticket.

I think I've crossed over to fantasizing.

[spectre]

Nice dream Zig...but almost all of those would be illegal without a players' union.

What I think should happen? The owners should fire Stern, then go to the players and say he had made a mistake by pushing too far. The half MLE and S&T for tax paying teams are gone, so we'll take 50-50 and let's salvage this season. It would only affect like 6-8 players anyway so it's stupid to lose all that money over basically nothing.

Then they opt out of the new CBA in 6 years, give the players a little more % in return for some system changes.