NBA Lockout: 5 Players Who Could Benefit from Playing Overseas

With the NBA Lockout in effect, some players have chosen to play international ball instead of waiting around for a new deal.

Some like Deron Williams have gone to countries where they won’t be obligated to stay if a new deal does occur before their season is up.

Others, however, have headed to places like China where they may make more money but won't have an out clause.

Here’s a look at the players who could benefit from playing overseas.

Wilson Chandler

Wilson Chandler had a decent season playing for the Knicks and the Nuggets.

Chandler played well on both ends of the floor and proved to be tough while playing through injuries.

Although playing in China means he doesn’t have an out clause, it does mean he will continue to improve as he plays instead of sitting around waiting for something to happen. 

Deron Williams

Deron Williams became the first major player in the NBA to jump ship thanks to the lockout.

There were reports that said Williams looked out of shape during a game in Turkey and shot poorly despite still having 15 points and nine assists.

Playing overseas could get Williams back to form and playing shape until he gets back in the league.

Ben Gordon

When Ben Gordon played for the Chicago Bulls, he won the Sixth Man award his rookie season and averaged as high as 21.4 points during the regular season.

Since joining the Detroit Pistons, Gordon’s points have dropped significantly.

Going overseas could possibly get Gordon back to form.

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant was one of the best players in the league last year and lead the NBA in scoring.

He’s already proved that his skills should not diminish any as he has had many big games over the summer playing in Pro-Am leagues.

What Durant could benefit from is by giving his name more international appeal.

Durant is one of the NBA’s young rising stars. As players like Kobe Bryant start to slow down, Durant could make his name more internationally known. 

Any NBA Rookie

The players perhaps affected the most by the lockout are the upcoming rookies.

This year’s rookie class already had their backs against the wall due to lack of star power.

Although many were not going to get starting roles, playing throughout the summer and preseason would give them some time to improve and learn.

If the season is lost, the rookies not only lose out on valuable experience but potential life changing money, both of which they could earn overseas.