NBA player Jared Dudley recently tweeted, “I need all NBA players to save there (sic) money. Be prepared to live without a check for at least a year. This is serious.” Jared is referring to the possibility that the players may be locked out by the owners next season if the two sides are unable to agree to a new collective bargaining agreement.
Jared’s colleagues would be well served to heed his advice. By planning ahead and financially preparing themselves to weather a lockout, the players will strengthen their leverage and power at the bargaining table. Ideally, an agreement will be reached and the players won’t need the extra money saved. But if it turns out they do, they’ll be very happy they took steps to prepare. As renowned UCLA basketball coach John Wooden said: “Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.” And he’s absolutely right.