Going through NBA withdrawal? Unlike NFL players who were locked out over the summer and only able to hold light, player-organized practices (due to the NFL’s physical nature), NBA players aren’t just sitting at home waiting on labor peace. They’re finding interesting ways to keep their game sharp, make a little money and give hardcore hardwood fans a taste to tide them over until real professional basketball is restored.
Google+ announced it will feature a “Homecoming Tour,” a set of exhibition games featuring NBA stars LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony. The four-game tour will visit each of the stars’ hometowns and be streamed live on Google+.
“It’ll be very neat,” Wade told The Associated Press. “First of all, this is something we talked about doing a long time ago as players. To have an opportunity to go to these different cities that we’re from, to bring basketball to them at a high level and also have a charitable component in each city and to be with the guys, it’ll be cool. It’s something we’re looking forward to.”
Here is the schedule for the tour:
- December 1 – The University of Akron – Akron, OH
- December 3 – The University of New Orleans – New Orleans, LA
- December 7 – University of Illinois-Chicago – Chicago, IL
- December 10 – Izod Center – East Rutherford, NJ
Others expected to play include Baron Davis, Russell Westbrook, Rudy Gay and NBA players union president Derek Fisher.
Though the venue has not yet been announced, tickets will range from $100 to $5,000 for courtside seats and proceeds will go towards the Obama’s re-election campaign. The President is not expected to play in the non-televised game, despite his affinity for basketball. It will be interesting to see if his potential GOP opponents bring up the fundraiser down the line on the campaign trail.
Overseas action
Free-agent and former New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets star Wilson Chandler took a big-risk by signing to play for the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (China) without an opt-out clause should the NBA return. But as more and more games are lost, Chandler’s move is looking like less of a risk.
In his debut game in China, Chandler posted an astounding 43 points, 22 rebounds, four assists and three steals in a 118-115 victory.
Other notable NBA players playing on foreign soil include: Deron Williams (Turkey), J.R. Smith (China) Rudy Fernandez (Spain), Leandro Barbosa (Brazil)and Boris Diaw (France) amongst others.
Other stars such as Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony have stated they would consider playing overseas during the lockout.
