one agent's comments

["J. Mark Estepp" <esteppjm@conrad.appstate.edu>]

from an AP story in today's Charlotte Observer...
`HORRIBLE DEAL': Fleisher, whose father once ran the players union, is
 furious over the new collective bargaining agreement.

 ``It's a terrible deal, a horrible deal,'' he said. ``It severely restricts
player
 movement.''

 Fleisher seemed particularly upset about teams holding right of first refusal
 over players in their first five seasons in the league. He said that ability to
 match offers figures to blunt any real competition for young players.

 Fleisher mentioned Kevin Garnett's $125 million contract as an example. He
 said the Timberwolves would have gotten Garnett for far less because other
 teams wouldn't have wasted their time bidding.

 ``Basically, Minnesota would have said, `We dare you -- go get a good
 deal,' '' Fleisher said. ``And nobody (else) would have bid.''

 Fleisher said throughout the process he didn't believe NBA Commissioner
 David Stern would really cancel the season. He maintained that stance
 Thursday.

 ``A total bluff -- there was no way he was blowing up the league,'' Fleisher
 said. ``But the players believed it. The players were ready to fold.''
-------------end of snipped story

I cannot believe anyone could feel this way.  I believe that many of the
agents would have gladly seen the NBA destroyed to protect their ability to
get even more outrageous salaries for their players (and themselves) than
they will get under this agreement.  He says the Timberwolves would have
gotten Garnett for far less... like maybe what he is really worth?  With
maybe enough left over to put someone around him who could help them win
something?

In my opinion, Stern saved the NBA 15 years ago (with the help of the three
amigos, Larry, Magic, and Michael), and he has saved it again.



Mark Estepp				704 262 3111
Appalachian State University			704 265 8696 (fax)
Esteppjm@AppState.edu