Bird-Rights Trial - Not looking good for the Players

[DusterBuster]

I was looking for a thread that I could post this in instead of making a whole new thread about it, but since I couldn't find one.... here we are.

Anyhow, a few tweets coming in regarding the likely outcome of this case. Some from "sources", others are reaction to Stern's recent comments about the issue in a press conference from the last half hour or so.....

Alan Hahn: Stern expects quick result in Bird Rights arbitration and sounded confident the ruling will favor NBA. In other words, bad news for Knicks. about 14 minutes ago

Al Iannazzone: NBA commissioner David Stern expects a quick decision on the Lin-Novak hearing and he belives the league will win. about 11 minutes ago

Jared Zwerling: Was told by a source familiar w/ the Early Bird Rights hearing that the players' union (meaning the #Knicks as well) will NOT win the case.

Mostly speculation and rumors at this point, but assuming they're correct about the NBA winning in the Bird-Rights of waived player case, what baring would this have on the Blazers cap space and JJ Hickson?

[Wizenheimer]

for Blazer and Hickson, It would mean a smaller cap-hold (I think)

without Bird rights, I'm not sure if the Blazers could create right of first refusal (matching other team's offer). He might be UFA

[Wickzki]

Hickson would become unrestricted if the NBA wins the case. Hence why the Knicks are going to be disappointed - had they won then Lin would be restricted FA.

[tester551]

Hickson would become unrestricted if the NBA wins the case. Hence why the Knicks are going to be disappointed - had they won then Lin would be restricted FA.

Isn't the other factor Bird Rights?

If the NBA wins, teams over the cap will have to use the MLE/mini-MLE to sign the players. If the players win, the teams over the cap could sign them with bird rights and save the MLE/mini-MLE for other free agents.

[ImABlazerFan]

So if the NBA wins do we give a hard look at Jeremy Lin?

[DusterBuster]

So if the NBA wins do we give a hard look at Jeremy Lin?

I hope not. Unless the Blazers are hiring Mike DAntoni, they need to stay far away from Lin.

[GEE]

Thanks for the update DB.

This sucks. I really like Hickson cause he compliments LA's game soo well. He's' the banger PF we have needed ever since ZBO wore out his welcome. I was really hoping we'd have rights to sign him, while being over the cap. Maybe there's still a chance we can keep him a Blazer, but it doesn't look good with this news.

[rasta_marley]

So if the NBA wins do we give a hard look at Jeremy Lin?

I hope not. Unless the Blazers are hiring Mike DAntoni, they need to stay far away from Lin.

Lin would be a nice grab for us regardless of what coach we have.... for the right price, sometihng that we probably wouldnt be able to get.

I really really want to keep J.J. we should be able to have his bird rights and I will be a bit pissed if we don't.

[DaVoiceMaster]

I would really like to hang onto JJ Hickson, as well.

[JustBlaze52]

Agreed. Losing JJ would be a big disappointment.

[The Sebastian Express]

I like JJ but if we keep him it has to be for a reasonable price and it'd probably mean we'd be drafting Drummond. JJ is atrocious defensively.

[GEE]

DB... Has the jury reached a decision???

[DusterBuster]

Nothing as of yet.

[d-train]

I disagree 100% that the players are going to lose the arbitration with owners. I believe the record shows that players accrue benefits called "bird rights'" unless the player resets the clock by changing teams via free agency. The waiver procedure is a contract assignment, which is not different from a trade.

Regardless of the outcome, the Blazers are most likely not going to be affected. Hickson is the only player the NBA would like to strip bird rights from and it's unlikely the Blazers will seek to use bird right to retain Hickson.

[Wizenheimer]

Regardless of the outcome, the Blazers are most likely not going to be affected. Hickson is the only player the NBA would like to strip bird rights from and it's unlikely the Blazers will seek to use bird right to retain Hickson.

Billups, Lin, Novak