Greeks, Afros, Olympics—and What the Heck is a FIBA?

I can’t help but think that some of our best and brightest talking heads are jumping the gun here. Josh Childress, a sixth man from designated league laughingstock Atlanta, is proof that international basketball is taking the torch from the USA? The same USA that has run its Olympic record up to a Texas High School Football-like 114-5?

Excuse me for being less than impressed.

Nevertheless, deft agents have found one more suitor in their constant struggle to wrest dollars from the fists of league executives. For you see, even those players who no one else wants are surely wanted in Euro-ball. Two early examples—Andris Biedrins and Sasha Vujacic, two well-known and well-received imports, are both holding their clubs up for more lucrative deals, citing slouching exchange rates, superior benefits, and more playing time.

Let me be the first to assuage your fears: Don’t worry. *pat pat*

As stated, agents are notorious for using whatever they can to negotiate better contracts. Also, players, agents and front-office big wigs know too well what a year or more of competition against a lower level of competition will do for an athlete.

It would be like demoting oneself to high school when you struggle in college. It may work in baseball, where demotions are largely opportunities to fix mechanics like pitch grips and batting eye without damaging the major league club (or to give a player playing time to develop when its not available at the major league affiliate), but it won’t work in the NBA. Players going overseas will face increasing pressure to stay overseas, because once their game changes to the FIBA mold, their NBA game, if anything, gets worse.

More importantly, few if any legitimate athletes would be willing to tarnish their image and legacy by electing to play against lesser competition—unless an obnoxious sum of money is involved (see: David Beckham).

Kobe has already grown tiresome of the unfavorable Jordan comparisons. Think he’d like being known as the guy who fled to Italy when he wasn’t able to win a ring without Shaq? Think LeBron James wants to be the best player in all of Croatia?

Additionally, unless the USA’s economy and market for sports just bombs out completely, no Euro league will have the financial advantage to simply force American-born stars to leave the NBA.

Some point to Tiago Splitter, one of the best European prospects today, and his choice to remain abroad, as evidence that the tide is changing. But take heed: Tiago understands that rookie contracts are a joke next to the King’s ransom he currently receives. He may never come across the pond for the biggest bucks, but then again, he also realizes that he may never be good enough in the NBA to warrant the biggest bucks. So why bother if he’s not already established stateside?

Long story short—don’t count on it. Like in 1992, when USA basketball had to reassert itself as the big fish, the 2008 team has the players and the historical backdrop to do the same. If the USA team can get through to the finals and claim the Gold Medal, look for a big change in people’s perception, worldwide.

It won’t be anything about USA losing its international footing. It will remind the world (ourselves included) of how far the world may have to go in order to catch up.

If that doesn’t happen, then forget it—I’ll buy an Olympiakos jersey.

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