Let's say you think the whole idea of NBA players bolting overseas in droves is a bunch of poppycock. Ballyhoo. Perhaps hijinx with a dash of hogwash. A rather large portion of manure. You may not be far off. But what's interesting is that this whole overblown message may have a very real effect on an age old tradition: agents making up stuff to get their clients more money.I submit to you now the curious case of Delonte West, starting point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Following a drawn out contract dispute that looked like it would be no big deal and has since turned into quite the ugly affair, rumors began to circulate the intrepid Mr. West was considering an offer from Russian team Dynamo Moscow (which also sounds like a 1950s proletariat superhero from Communist propaganda). Tonight, however, terrific blog for all things Cleveland, Waiting for Next Year informs us that the rumor is more than likely a negotiation tactic, via the Morning Journal's Bob Finnan.
Only time will obviously tell on this particular issue (I know, that's kind of obvious. But my sources in Dynamo Moscow are out saving the world from the evil Comrade Capitalism). But this is likely to be the real ramification of all this foreign ball bluster: contract negotiation leverage.
It may end up as another tool for agents to use in order to finagle another couple of million out of an RFA's contracted club. The myth of the European club willing to throw gobs of money at your sub-superstar client is easy to create and hard for the GM across the table to check. NBA GMs have everybody else on speed dial, and other clubs' salary cap situations on a sheet in their desk. It's a little harder to contact Nikolai and, after proper translation of course, asking if the guy has enough scratch to lure your glue guy to Siberia. It's a nice tactic that's easy to spread, hard to confirm, and drives up market value. In short, an agent's dream. Of course, you have to hope your GM is dim enough to go for it. It's a bluff, like many other tactics. From the sound of Finnan's report, Danny Ferry is ready to call.
I now fully expect West to sign with Dynamo Moscow and
