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I'm watching the Bulls vs. Jazz game here on WGN and they showed some large pictures that are hanging in the concourse, one of course is Jerry Sloan and another still hanging up is of Keith dribbling it up the court. I thought it was interesting that they would still have this huge life size picture up considering he's no longer on the team.

I hate the NBA but follow Keith and Antonio. How can Indiana not think Keith is a viable option especially considering what they currently have?

I spoke to Keith's agent this week. He said he's in Rome playing in the Italian League again...and doing very well. He's hoping to get another shot in the NBA this fall. He had several offers this past year, but nobody wanted to offer him a guaranteed contract at the league minimum for his years of service...something like $1.5 or $1.7. A lot of teams wanted him to waive that league minimum and come in for less. He held his ground and decided to play in Europe after the holidays.

Rollo83 wrote:I spoke to Keith's agent this week. He said he's in Rome playing in the Italian League again...and doing very well. He's hoping to get another shot in the NBA this fall. He had several offers this past year, but nobody wanted to offer him a guaranteed contract at the league minimum for his years of service...something like $1.5 or $1.7. A lot of teams wanted him to waive that league minimum and come in for less. He held his ground and decided to play in Europe after the holidays.

Am I the only one that thinks this was a mistake on Keith's part?

I know that he wanted the security of a guaranteed 7 figure salary, but I would think he'd have a lot better chance of getting that by coming into the NBA for less and turning some heads rather than by playing well in Italy.

I could be way off base, but I really think (and did at the time, as well) that this was an error in judgment.

hammb wrote:

Rollo83 wrote:I spoke to Keith's agent this week. He said he's in Rome playing in the Italian League again...and doing very well. He's hoping to get another shot in the NBA this fall. He had several offers this past year, but nobody wanted to offer him a guaranteed contract at the league minimum for his years of service...something like $1.5 or $1.7. A lot of teams wanted him to waive that league minimum and come in for less. He held his ground and decided to play in Europe after the holidays.

Am I the only one that thinks this was a mistake on Keith's part?

I know that he wanted the security of a guaranteed 7 figure salary, but I would think he'd have a lot better chance of getting that by coming into the NBA for less and turning some heads rather than by playing well in Italy.

I could be way off base, but I really think (and did at the time, as well) that this was an error in judgment.

I agree, The euro leagues will always be there for Keith, he should do what ever he can to make it in the NBA, and if that includes waiving some rights so be it.

That was my original thought as well. But I guess Keith isn't the only one in this position. A lot of guys with 3-5 years of service have become too expensive for teams. Instead of signing one of these guys at guaranteed money for $1.5M they can sign a younger guy for the league minimum ($350,000) and get close to the same contribution as a 8th or 9th man on a roster.

Earl Boykins was in the same spot until he signed with the Bobcats about a week ago. I think the union also doesn't want these guys taking less money as well or they kind of undercut the collective bargining agreement. I am not sure what Boykins signed for.

But I agree, I would have like to have seen Keith stay in the league this year at almost any cost. Coming back after a year off will only be harder next year with more and more young guys fighting for roster spots.

Good luck Keith!

Rollo83 wrote:That was my original thought as well. But I guess Keith isn't the only one in this position. A lot of guys with 3-5 years of service have become too expensive for teams. Instead of signing one of these guys at guaranteed money for $1.5M they can sign a younger guy for the league minimum ($350,000) and get close to the same contribution as a 8th or 9th man on a roster.

Earl Boykins was in the same spot until he signed with the Bobcats about a week ago. I think the union also doesn't want these guys taking less money as well or they kind of undercut the collective bargining agreement. I am not sure what Boykins signed for.

But I agree, I would have like to have seen Keith stay in the league this year at almost any cost. Coming back after a year off will only be harder next year with more and more young guys fighting for roster spots.

Good luck Keith!

Yeah, I cannot claim to be privy to all the details, obviously. I just hope he can get back into the NBA. Keith's 4 years coincided my 4 years in school, and his play made afternoons & evenings at Anderson an absolute thrill for all 4 years. Much like Harris is my favorite BG football player Keith is my favorite hoopster.

Here's hoping he can return to the NBA and make an impact.