Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen Wrong to Believe Stars Deserve Pay for Olympics Play

Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen are two of the game’s greats, but they are dead wrong to believe that they should be compensated for competing in the Olympics.

According to Michael Wallace of ESPN, the Heat superstar and two-time Team USA player thinks that representing the country isn’t enough of a reward.

"

"It's a lot of things you do for the Olympics—a lot of jerseys you sell," Wade said. "We play the whole summer. I do think guys should be compensated. Just like I think college players should be compensated as well. Unfortunately, it's not there. But I think it should be something, you know, there for it."

"

Ray Allen, another Olympic gold medal winner and hopeful participant the 2012 games, agrees with his fellow shooting guard.

"

"You talk about the patriotism that guys should want to play for, but you [need to] find a way to entice the guys," Allen was quoted as saying in an interview. "It's not the easiest thing in the world if you play deep in the playoffs and then you get two, three weeks off and then you start training again to play more basketball, where it requires you to be away from home and in another country. It's fun, but your body does need a break."

"

These men need to realize that no one makes them compete for the national team. It is on their own will and volition to dedicate their summer to training, practicing and competing in the tournament.

It also has positive financial repercussions, although they aren’t direct—which is what Wade and Allen are clearly missing.

By participating in the Olympic Games, NBA players have a unique chance to build their global brand and expand their superstardom to a worldwide audience.

By appearing in the games and playing well, they open new doors for sponsorships and increase revenue with their current ones.

Wade believes that he should receive a cut from jersey sales, but fails to take into account that Nike manufactures the popular Team USA jersey. That is the same company that pays him a reported $12 million per year to wear their apparel.

It’s highly unlikely that Wade would receive the same cut if he refused to play in the Olympics, a platform that allows the Swoosh to be displayed in front of many millions of viewers that do not regularly watch NBA basketball.   

Another way in which competing on the national team can earn a player more money is via their NBA contract.

While there is no direct correlation between playing for Team USA and NBA earnings, the experience of playing with the best on a regular basis can only improve one’s game.

Instead of taking the summer off and getting out of shape, the competitors in the Olympics are remaining in top form and often dominate when they return from international play.

By being one of the more popular and skilled players in the league, due in some part to Team USA, players guarantee themselves a better seat at the bargaining table and that translates into more dollars on their next contract.

All of this is just icing on the cake when you realize these men are playing a game they love for the honor of their country.

Wade and Allen must realize they have it made and they are being financially rewarded for their efforts, albeit indirectly.

If they still don’t like the fact that they aren’t being directly compensated, no one is forcing them to play.

The Olympic team is just like America; love it or leave it.