| 31 August 2011
Chris Kaman may be busy at EuroBasket dropping double-doubles, but part of him stays fixed on business back home in the NBA and with the Los Angeles Clippers.
As Kaman helped the German National Team by finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds in a 91-64 shellacking over Israel on Wednesday night in Lithuania, player rep Derek Fisher and the NBA were a world away meeting in New York City to see if they can gain any ground in lockout discussions. Wishful thinking I know. But even before he touched down in Lithuania – back when Germany went down to Greece at SuperCup in Bamberg, Germany – Kaman spoke openly about the lockout and the trade rumors swirling around his future with the Clippers.
Regardless if it’s on his personal Twitter account or a one-on-one interview after a game, don’t expect Kaman to pull any punches.
Nothing but respect there.
“I know there is a lockout and I don’t want to get myself in any trouble, but I try and speak my mind and don’t hold a lot back. I’ve always been a real open mic person,” Kaman confessed, with the full story running today on NBA.com - "Well-traveled Kaman makes a pit stop for EuroBasket 2011".
“I kind of get myself in trouble doing that sometimes but that’s just who I am. It creates some controversy sometimes and I like that.”
No such controversy needed at this point. The fact that an entire season could be lost and is in jeopardy is enough storm to push anyone over the edge. That goes for both fans and players alike. What frustrates Kaman equally is not being available to attend regional meetings taking place and have his voice heard –-a set back he endures as he competes at EuroBasket and with and eye on the 2012 London Olympics.
“From what I understand we’ve come with a fair deal and they will not move on anything. They are stuck on one deal. It’s a weird situation and very hard because I’m not always involved. It’s stupid. We are talking about potentially missing a whole season because people can’t agree on a contract situation,” Kaman continued.
“I know the Commissioner (David Stern) is doing a lot to prevent players from playing anywhere. I think he’s trying to hold up guys that want to go to China from not going there and making it so we can’t go anywhere to play and we are stuck without making an income. That is bogus to me. They (the owners) are trying to hold us out longer so we have to give in to what they want and that is not right.”
With the two sides about as far apart as Los Angeles to Lithuania, nothing but speculation will unfortunately welcome Kaman back if and when a work stoppage concludes this coming season.
He knows trade talks all too well, both personally and second-hand.
“I remember when Marcus (Camby) was traded to Portland (in 2010). We were actually at dinner in Portland when he got the call that he was traded. I couldn’t believe it. It just goes to show you how ruthless this business can be.”
When asked if he feels compelled to stay in Los Angeles after being there his whole career and seeing things through, Kaman didn’t hesitate.
“I’m not saying that. I’m keeping my options open,” he started.
“Anything is possible. I think the Clippers have the ability with the players we have to turn things around. Now whether that happens or not I don’t know. But if I’m traded I wouldn’t want it to be during the season. That would be tough.”
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