The NBA Players Association brain trust has given its constituents the clearest signal yet that there could be missed games (and, subsequently, paychecks) as a result of the impending NBA labor strife, and possible lockout. They've sent an instructional handbook to each of its players, warning of the days ahead.
As we approach a potential lockout this offseason, it's important to remember that "lockout" doesn't have to refer to actual missed games. You can lock players out while negotiating terms of an expired collective bargaining agreement for however long it takes to structure a new CBA. It could be for a day. The NBA had a lockout in the summer of 1995, but terms (very distinctive and lasting ones, it should be pointed out) were developed, and the league was back in business by September of that year.
Of course, the NBA lockout during the 1998-99 season actually meant missed games. The "lockout" spread into the season. And while neither side will say so publicly, there is growing sentiment that both sides will eschew the common sense approach, and decide to cover their own tails in order to make up for their poor use of the billions of dollars the NBA earns in revenue every year. In the owners' case, it's the terrible and short-sighted decisions regarding player personnel and negotiating deals.
In the players' case? Poor financial planning. In the handbook, as obtained by Bloomberg News, the NBAPA warns players against buying extra clothes and jewelry, as these trinkets hold little resale value. There's more, and it comes in the form of your buddy Glen asking for a loan, as he rides in your superfluous German car on the way to the casino.
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