And then there was one.
With the NFL lockout officially over, the NBA is the only league in limbo. And unsurprisingly, players have been keeping up with the progress that the NFL made over the last few weeks, culminating with the end of the lockout.
Phoenix Suns forward and former Friends Central standout Hakim Warrick is one of those players.
Warrick, who is in the area playing in the Delco Pro-Am Summer League, said he hopes the NBA owners are taking notes from the NBA on how to compromise.
I hope so, Warrick said on Wednesday after wrapping up a league game playing with the Friends Central Alumni team. We just got to take it one step at a time, realize that they the NFL went through it a little longer than we actually did. Were just really getting started and really didnt get back into negotiations. Were supposed to be doing that soon.
It could be sooner than Warrick thinks. According to reports, NBA commissioner David Stern, NBAPA union executive director Billy Hunter and president Derrick Fisher will be among those to meet on Monday to resume talks on a new collective bargaining agreement, the first meeting since June 30.
The NBA did release its 2011-12 schedule, hoping that the lockout will end in time, though there are doubts. Asked if he thought the league and players would resolve issues in time before losing regular season games, which begin on Nov. 1, Warrick didnt seem too confident.
Right now its not looking too good, he said. I feel sorry for the fans especially. Coming off a great season, to possibility not have a season or miss some games is just unfortunate.
Warrick isnt the only one who feels the NBA could miss some games, as numerous NBA players are already making plans to play overseas if the lockout is not resolved.
New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams was one of the first players to jump ship, signing with Turkish team Besiktas earlier this month.
Lakers star Kobe Bryant has reportedly had talks with Besiktas, as well. Others such as New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and New Orleans point guard Chris Paul both say theyd be willing to play overseas if the lockout continues.
Warrick, who averaged 8.4 points and 3.7 rebounds last year in his first season with the Suns, said he has no plans to play overseas unless I got a really good opportunity. Other than that, I will just continue to work out and enjoy spending time with my family.
Orlando Magic point guard and former Saint Josephs star Jameer Nelson was spotted at the Delco Pro-Am League on Wednesday, though he didnt play. He declined to answer questions pertaining to the NBA lockout, but said he has no plans to play overseas, either.
Im just working out and staying in shape, Nelson said.
Warrick acknowledged the risk of playing overseas, as players can get hurt, which would affect their status in the NBA, but added, like D-Will said, You can get hurt walking down the steps. As long as guys get insurance and make sure theyre covered if they get injured. Its a big risk, but guys want to go play basketball. You cant knock em.
Sixers second-round pick Lavoy Allen was also in King of Prussia Wednesday, playing with the Under Armour Elite team. Allen agreed to play with Strasbourg IG in France while the lockout continues. He expressed some excitement and disappointment the latter coming from the fact that the lockout came during a time when he was drafted.
People told me it was coming, the Temple product said. Last year they were telling me. Some people were telling me to stay in the draft last year, because there might not be a season this year, but I knew it was coming and Im just going to wait around for it to be over.
E-mail Jabari Young at jyoung@comcastsportsnet.com
