Some NBA All-Star participants are paid, but I'd argue that pride motivates most

As we approach the NBA All-Star break, many people associated with the NBA will go on vacation.  Some front office staff, coaches, and players etc. will be going on vacation and enjoying three days off of work.  On the flip side, fans, players, and media associated with the NBA and the All-Star festivities will also be flocking to Los Angeles for the NBA festivities.

As NBA players and owners meet to negotiate the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), let's not lose sight of the fact that many of the people that provide the entertainment we enjoy during the All-Star break are actually working. 

I took a look at the section of the current CBA (i.e. which expires after this season) related to the NBA All-Star game and here are some fun points that show you that the All-Star events do matter. 

Relatively speaking, a check for $35,000 may not seem much compared to the multi-million dollar salaries that some athletes make.  However, let's face it...  Even if it's ashtray money, $35K is still $35K.

Here are some of the player payouts in case you're curious:

• For their participation in an All-Star Game, players on the winning team shall each receive $35,000 and players on the losing team shall each receive $15,000.
• For their participation in a Rookie-Sophomore Game, players on the winning team shall each receive $15,000 and players on the losing team shall each receive $5,000.
• For their participation in an All-Star Skills Competition, players shall receive the following amounts:
• Slam Dunk and Three-Point Shootout:
• 1st Place: $35,000, 2nd Place: $22,500 **** There are additional payouts for players who place lower in both of these competitions.

Check out the talent in the front row!

I just wanted to give you some things to think about during this weekend's events.  If you're like me, you might be tired of people saying that some players don't really care and that this weekend doesn't matter.  I'd argue that it does.  Honestly, let's not underestimate the ultimate prize.  No, I'm not talking about money.  I'm talking about PRIDE.

THE WIRK

Nets walk away from table, where Carmelo never sat ~ Trade drama over "for now"

Now that Mikhail Prokhorov has called off the Nets' pursuit of Carmelo Anthony, I think we can all move on for now.  I debated on whether or not I'd compose a post about it all, and for the sake of being comprehensive here goes...

My prediction: Carmelo Anthony plays out the season in Denver as a Nugget AND then goes to the Knicks... I don't believe the Chicago Bulls talk...  That's my 3 cents based.  ****  Why 3 cents?  It's 3 cents because I'm smarter than the average person, and the average person gives you 2 cents.

So what does this mean?

• I don't believe that Prokhorov is bluffing.  I really believe the New Jersey Nets are out of the mix.
• I don't believe Carmelo wanted to play for the New Jersey Nets anyway.
• I think that if Carmelo isn't moved before the end of the season, he will have even more interest in what happens over the summer with regard to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• I'd imagine that Denver Nuggets fans will get to see Carmelo play through the end of the season, and therefore the "empty" seats that were noted in last night's game, should fill up
• I think that New York Knicks fans will have to hold their breath and wait to see what Donnie Walsh comes up with regard to an offer for Carmelo.

With regard to Richard "Rip" Hamilton sitting on the bench...  I don't really see a reason for him to play.  I doubt the Detroit Pistons will do anything this year.  Further it appears that coach, John Kuester (i.e. a Tarheel), wants to go another direction (i.e. read: younger).  Personally, I don't like watching solid-NBA vets sit, and I'd want to see Rip and his $11 million run up and down the court.  However, my opinion appears to be the minority.  I guess when you're preparing to rebuild, I guess the veteran presence doesn't matter.  ****  Hmmm, now that I think about it, it sounds a lot like the Washington Redskins' McNabb situation...

****  I took the pictures for this post during the Nuggets v Wizards game, February 2010.

THE WIRK

Unathorized comments on NBA hard salary cap cost Ted Leonsis $100,000

Welcome to the NBA ownership, Ted Leonsis!  It looks like David Stern threw down the hammer when he fined Ted Leonsis $100,000 for his unauthorized comments regarding the NBA's collective bargaining negotiations and allusion to the adoption of a hard salary cap (i.e. similar to the NHL).  For those of you that don't know, Ted Leonsis is a new majority owner for the Washington Wizards, but he has been majority owner of the Washington Capitals for years.  Therefore, he's familiar with the "benefits" of a hard salary cap.

According to Wikipedia, "In June 2005, the NBA's 1999 CBA expired, meaning the League and the players' union had to negotiate a new agreement; in light of the fiasco that was the 2004–05 NHL lockout, the two sides quickly came to an agreement, and ratified a new CBA in July 2005. The new agreement will expire following the 2010–11 season, but the league has the option to extend it through the 2011–12 season if it wishes. If so, the League must exercise its option to extend the agreement by December 15, 2010."

For any of you that can't sleep and want to read the current CBA (i.e. collective bargaining agreement), here's the link:  http://www.nbpa.org/cba/2005

Personally, I have very fond memories of the 1998-1999 NBA season and the associated NBA Lockout...  Ahhhh, yes.  Those were the days :-P

THE WIRK