NBA Lockout 2011: Deron Williams and Others Who May Test the Waters Overseas

Since the NBA Lockout commenced on July 1, fans and players alike speculate as to the likelihood of even having a 2011-2012 NBA season.

Even the media is completely shut down. As an avid Timberwolves fan and former writer, I was surfing the net yesterday to locate a few of my archived articles. I quickly found out that all articles about the team and/or players have been blocked, and most of the NBA website is out of commission.

Social media sites (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) for individual teams are required to stay away from posting any news regarding current players and instead market feature stories on dancers and mascots.

Sure, there were videos broadcasted at the ESPYS that poked fun at the lockout and the idea of NBA players having downtime. However, there is some sincerity to this question: When will the lockout end, and what will players do in the meantime?

While most would say that NBA players couldn't possibly be in dire need of a year's paycheck, there is the notion that players don't feel obligated to sit around and wait for deals to be made. There is, after all, the overseas market.

New Jersey Nets' Deron Williams: Turkey

According to Jeff Schwartz, the guard's agent, Deron Williams has committed to play for Besiktas, a Turkish ball club, if the lockout does not end before the upcoming season. Fans might recognize Besiktas as the team that employed Allen Iverson for a brief stint last year.

If nothing is resolved here in the States, Williams will enter into a one-year, $5-million contract overseas. The Middle Eastern organization continues to be aggressive in pursuing additional U.S. athletes, as well.

According to an espn.com article, Besiktas coach Ergin Ataman even sees the possibility of nailing down All-Star Kobe Bryant.

Philadelphia 76ers' Darius Songaila: Turkey

According to an article on SI.com, agent Mark Bartelstein negotiated a one-year, $1.5-million deal for Philly forward Darius Songaila to play for Turkish team Galatasaray.

Songaila has been in the NBA for eight years and currently averages two points and one rebounds per game.

Boston Celtics' Nenad Krstic: Russia

Some players didn't even wait for the lockout to become official before making their moves. Boston center Nenad Krstic, originally from Serbia, decided to sign an overseas contract in early June when anticipation of the lockout flourished.

His destination: Moscow, Russia.

Krstic would have been a free agent this season, and rather than play the "wait-and-see" game with the Celtics, he signed a two-year, $9.6 million contract with CSKA Moscow.

Celtics President Danny Ainge spoke freely about the big man leaving the country.

“He’s been sharing his situation with me,’’ said Ainge. “I talked to him just the other day. He loved Boston and had a great desire to return there and play, but I think the uncertainty gave him [a reason to leave]. I guess this is what he felt, that he was going to take this opportunity.’’

Considering, but Not Official...

In addition to players who have already signed with overseas ball clubs, there are those individuals that have "threatened" or alluded to shipping out if the lockout persists...

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard

Nothing big to report as of yet, but according to an interview with the Associated Press, Orlando star Dwight Howard, aka "Superman," has become extremely irritated with the lockout and would consider playing in Europe or China if an agreement is not reached soon.

In addition, Players Union Vice President Roger Mason Jr. allegedly reported to Newsday that Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire have also requested further information about the rules and regulations for playing overseas.

How Many Will End Up in Foreign Waters?

So as the lockout continues, how many of our beloved NBA stars will end up overseas? Although the prospect does offer athletes a paycheck, there are some attributes of playing in a foreign country that are less than appealing.

Although Nenad Krstic is happy to be playing in Russia, he knows it's not for everyone.

“I don’t think you will see a lot coming here,” Krstic commented. “Europe is not in a great situation financially. There are only four or five teams now that can offer much to NBA players, and those teams right now are almost full. That’s a problem for NBA players, I think. It was a reason why I had to go right away. I got maybe the best contract in Europe because of that.”

In addition, one must consider how the NBA deals with players that want to head overseas and risk injury. Athletes still under contract (Deron Williams being one of them) would most likely need approval from FIBA to play elsewhere.

According to ESPN.com, however, the NBA Players Union will go to bat for those individuals who seek out a "Plan B" during this lockout... wherever that may be.