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December 6, 2005 - American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release


The following are two of many to the recent comments about the NBA players and the NBDL. (The responses have been edited). Thank you for your responses.

From NBA Player 1: Thank you for defending NBA players like you did. If anyone thinks that we are playing only for the money and that we don't play hard, they don't know anything about basketball. We know that there is no shortage of great basketball players including in your league just waiting for a chance to take our places. I think the (bleep) fans don't know how hard we practice and how much getting to the NBA means to us...it's our life...something we work for since we were little. The NBA game is different because it's built around stars. It isn't our fault. It's just the way it is. But we think we're still the best players in the world and we work hard. That's all I want to say.

From NBA Player 2: You got it right man. I think people are just jealous of us. We're like rap stars or movie stars. We have talent, we work hard, and we get oue chance at the big time. Every guy who puts on his basketball shoes has a dream of making it to the NBA. That's where it's at. And when we get here, we know we have to play hard and play good or we won't be here because the (bleep) owners don't care. We'll either get released or get sent to that (bleep) league. Trust me man, you give me the minutes, I'll give you a show. I'll give you everything I got - and so will everybody else.

Comment: It is nice that NBA players are reading the ABA website. Thanks to all of you for your comments. I will reiterate what I said. NBA players play hard. They see more and more international players coming into the league (nothing wrong with this), but they know that they have to work hard and play hard to keep their spots and to keep getting the big dollars - and they are worth the big dollars. Or they'll get sent to "that (bleep) league. (Not referring to the ABA). If you have a question, email joenewman@abalive.com.

Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.



American Basketball Association Stories from December 6, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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