Migrate Idea

Deron Williams is choosing to go down the road once defiantly trodden by Allen Iverson, only he's trekking to Turkey in the prime of his career (some people will do anything to avoid remaining in New Jersey*), not at the tail end, like Iverson, who burned more bridges than an architect-turned-arsonist. Although Turkey embraced Iverson upon his arrival, he wasn't willing to hug back, because he headed home extremely early, playing in a handful of games before returning stateside, claiming a mysterious injury, all of this relayed through his manager. The experiment, involving the volitile element known as "AI," exploded. Williams seemed unstable and ill-at-ease all last season, so his country crossing could be combustible, too.

Williams won't be alone in his world walkabout. Perrenial all-stars Amar'e Stoudemire, Dwight Howard and Kevin Durant have all expressed curiosity ("interest" is a strong word in this case) in playing overseas. However, if you think it's for the love of the game or even the paycheck, that's a load of Istanbulshit. Primarily, it's posturing; players using the only bargaining chip they have, a scare tactic that won't work against the unshakeable David Stern, who won't blink until a big name bolts. For now, at least, Turkey is a game of chicken.

NBA players tend to be creatures of habit, who struggle outside of their comfort zone. Kobe, having spent his formative years in Italy and being fluent in multiple languages, is the exception to the rule. He is cultured and that has always isolated him to an extent in the NBA (his aloof personality hasn't helped). Williams' new club, Besiktas, has been making overtures to Kobe -- and officially met with him on Saturday. With Bryant displeased that he wasn't even consulted about the Lakers coaching hire and the international governing body of basketball, FIBA, giving its blessing for players to present their passports, it isn't out of the realm of possibility that Kobe's lone wolf mentality could take over, causing him to accept Besiktas' offer. Consider: he already serves as spokesman for Turkish Airlines, so his flights should be free.

The NBA isn't comfortable with making traveling calls and similarly, players will be hesitant to make the call to travel. However, if Kobe elects to drop anchor in Ankara, Stern's would more than blink, he'd probably remove his glasses and rub his eyes in disbelief and aggravation. All things considered, Turkey could be the key to ending the lockout.

*We can definitley relate

Mama Said Lock You Out

Management and labor put forth so little effort Thursday in negotiations (it reminded us of LeBron in the 4th quarter of the Finals) that by mid-day they ceased meeting. They didn't work until the wee hours; they didn't even work until happy hour. Why bother seeking a resolution when all that's at stake is saving a season and a product at its peak? Neither party are compromisers, just misers, hell-bent on hoarding the wealth they've accumulated. For people so rich, they exhibit poor judgment in letting their agreement lapse and wasting an opportunity to outshine the NFL through a swift and scrupulous settlement. But no one wanted to put on their thinking caps when it came to concessions on the salary cap, so they all deserve dunce caps. It was already going to be a cruel summer with the Las Vegas league canceled, where betting and basketball blend as in a Tim Donaghy fantasy. Like Kobe's silence towards Mike Brown, we've developed lockout lockjaw. The only CBA we care to discuss is the Continental Basketball Association. In our eyes, a locked out league has about as much life in it as a defunct one.