Now more than ever before, star players are emboldened and empowered. In this age, the players control their own destiny, and can basically go, say, or do whatever they want with little consequence.
While many see this as a good development, some (including one NBA GM) aren’t convinced it’s a good thing.
(via Isaac Chotiner of The New Yorker)
“Player empowerment is a catchall for the fact that the league has done a terrible job of empowering teams,” a current N.B.A. general manager told me. “The players have all of the leverage in every situation. I think it’s the worst thing that ever happened to professional sports on all levels.”
It’s good that a player has more control over their career, but perhaps things have swung too far in their favor.
Players are constantly moving, abandoning one team to hop on the bandwagon with another. They have the leverage in any negotiations. They are always fighting back and waging war against those who dare to criticize them.
It’s becoming evident that what might be best for the players might not be best for the NBA.
Finding a balance is the key — and hopefully, the NBA will figure it out.
