i read that, but judging by the time of the article it made no sense as it came out after 5pm today?? good on the sixers though, bogut knows who he is going to be playing for according to his agent so why not let the clubs know so they can accommodate/find someone else.

Well, the article states that by 5pm - 5/10/2011, he will confirm signing with us, or the Kings.

Plain and simple really.

And it was about time someone did. I would have hoped either Sixers or Kings management would have pulled the ultimatum out.

Regardless of who he signs with, I somehow doubt he will have as much impact as we might assume. Certainly set plays would be out for the first few weeks.

I think a few people suspect that it was going to be the Kings or nothing all along and that other clubs may have been strung along a bit.

Wouldn't surprise me Isaac.

Back when he became the No#1 season ticket holder for the league (or whatever magical title it was) a few years back, he openly said "I was a big Sydney Kings fan growing up".

Frankly I'm at the point now where if he IS going to play in the league, he'd better be here for a few games; all this hyping with no action is getting annoying.

I think the Sixers have got a bit of nerve really... It's not like he's dragging it out on purpose, he's trying to find the best way that he can be covered if something happens while playing for PEANUTS in a league that needs his help to grow their profile...

I understand that the Sixers need to move forward with their plans, but why not do it the classy way like the Hawks did (did I just say that?) while waiting on GE and go looking for a replacement and then when push comes to shove and a decision has to be made, approach them professionally, not via the press, and make your decision...

We need Bogut a LOT more than he needs us, so to try to force his hand when you're the least likely option, when all he wants to do is give our league a bit of a boost, is pretty crap...

As for announcing his decision before the insurance is sorted... can you imagine the hate directed at him if he announces his decision and then the insurance can't be worked out and he can't play?

I suspect there'd be more going on behind the scenes than revealed. I'm guessing the Blaze bailed through frustration at this insurance stuff.

I would be dissapointed if the sixers haven't already scouted out and talked to a specific import or 2 as a back up plan.

They had to figure Bogut was a long shot, so surely they weren't sitting on their hands while waiting for Bogut.

Good call to move on, time to activate Plan B.

Bogut is looking after Bogut
He doesnt want to play at all but thought he would get some good PR from saying he does.
It has backfired on him and now he is searching for more excuses.
More than 1 team has offered him what he asked for and he knocked them back.
The Blaze were legit as they offered what he asked for and that is why the players got excited.
Sydney the same.
I Dont know what the 36ers offer was.

League sponsor Centrebet don't seem to be keen to post season odds or even game odds until they know either way.

Clarke was talkin to those alike Williamson , who were gonna come here , before we chose Williamson,
while Leeanne was talkin to Bogut's agent , who was stayin up for days tryin to get it sorted, with lawyers , insurance clauses, claims history,FIBA,NBA lockout, time differences etc.

Good to see LeBron and Yao on The Simpsons, last nite and Homer got it all sorted.

36ers were really the only team that could legitimately fit him in, with the import on his way, and even ballinger out for x weeks.

But if it is happening for exposure for NBL and PR for Bogut, Sydney was always the logical place for him to sign.

Anyway every team that said the were working out if they could sign him got an extra news story or two they wouldnt have so win win ?

That's pretty woolly thinking there Mr Red Knitted Jumper.

It's got nothing to do with whether or not NBL clubs have met pay demands, etc.

The entire issue hangs on getting insurance to cover Bogut's Bucks contract.

If he gets insurance he will play, if he doesn't, he won't. Simple as that. And who can blame him for that?

OK so how has Kobe got insurance already to play in Italy? All the Argentinian NBA players have got insurance. It has nothing to do with FIBA.
This is a smelly situation that has been created.
Why doesn't Bogut say i have signed with x club and will play as soon as the insurance is sorted out. The reason is he doesnt want to play i tells ya.

LeBron - " This was the best day of my life."
Lisa Simpson - " Didn't you sign a ninety million dollar contract ? "
LeBron - " Aw , the second best day of my life, then."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/more-sports/decision-day-for-kings-and-bogut/story-e6frey6i-1226158514418
(what happened to linky?)

Looks like It's today or never for both clubs.
If Sydney is willing to wait an extra week to sort out the details, seems a bit sus that Boguts management aren't.

Kobe doesn't have a serious existing elbow injury. He also is dealing with a club in Italy that clearly has a lot more money to spend and can probably afford to pay whatever the insurance company asks without blinking. On top of that, they don't have to deal with an Australian-European time difference, which also slows things down.

I'm as frustrated as anyone else that this is taking awhile, but I really don't think its because Bogut doesn't want to play. Bogut has consistently said he wants to play in the NBL while the lockout is on and I have seen zero information that would suggest otherwise. So unless you have some info noone else knows about, I'd say that your claim that he doesn't want to play is based on nothing but your own imagination.

Hendo, that's an interesting article. Every other article I've read used those quotes to suggest today is the deadline for Bogut to play THIS WEEK. But this one goes further to say that it is today or nothing. Gonna have to check back on those other articles. See if this guy has misinterpreted, or if he is actually on the money.

"Andrew thinks it is just too much of a distraction on the team he goes to if it isn't sorted before the first game."

Kings general manager David Wolf and coach Ian Robilliard said they would be happy to bring Bogut to the club once the season has already started, but Kaider said it was a case of now or never.

Yeah, every other article I've read - SMH, Herald Sun, Melb Age - is just saying that there needs to be a decision today in order for Bogut to suit up in round 1.

This Tyson Otto character from the Daily Tele is the only one who has come to the conclusion that its today or nothing. I reckon he may have misinterpreted what Kaider was saying.

i think Bogut like most of us are sick of the hold out on decisions for it..

if Bogut really wants to play he can head to europe like the rest and get going...

he is probably enjoying his time in Australia with family...

dont get me wrong i hope he does play in the nbl, just i think i am probably right.

Interesting that Delonte West is stuck working a menial retail chain job because his criminal record means that he can't play outside the US (or something like that).

So you think Bogut doesnt actually want to play NBL?

from the FIBA website regarding NBA players

"FIBA has stated that it is up to the clubs to decide whether or not they shall sign a waiver clearing them of any responsibility towards the player in case of injury and other reasons preventing him from returning to the NBA and from fulfilling his obligations vis-à-vis his NBA team."

FIBA has nothing to do with the insurance it sounds like.

Sixers dont want to waste time,we are minus two players atm,Bogut hasnt come to Adelaide to talk with Clark face to face so he is in Sydney most of the time,he will go to big city which is Syd Kings.Good thing what Sixers did give him deadline.Sixers by 5pm doing what Gold Coast did pullout.

Robilliard:

"What would you do?" Kings coach Ian Robilliard asked. "You don't pay $500,000 (for an insurance policy on Bogut) to have a guy sitting on the sideline."

"Even if he signs five minutes before tip-off, Andrew will suit up and we'll have a discussion."

That's what I've been thinking all along. What does FIBA have to do with Bogut's insurance??? Surely that is between Bogut, the NBL club and possibly the Milwaukee Bucks.

FIBA may have to ratify a contract once it's registered by the NBL.

I'm only guessing, but the insurance only covers Bogut's remaining $39 mill contract, surely that should be his choice to fund the insurance. If he really really wants to suit up, why doesn't he pony up the premium???

Will the extra revenue that Bogut brings a club cover his insurance premium??

TR, well someone has to cover it and it's hefty enough that he's not going to pay it himself ($500k or whatever for a short term). I don't think it's unreasonable that he's asked his suitors to pay that, but I heard at least one club felt frustrated that they went the distance to help that happen and there are further sticking points.

I believe he's also looking to get his side ventures promoted as part of the deal, but that's not ridiculous either - it's something clubs can offer at little cost (other than opportunity cost) and that he can take in lieu of market wage.

Hopefully the Kings get a resolution this afternoon so the clubs and league can focus entirely on promoting the season opener before people forget Patty Mills is going up against Julian Khazzouh, etc.

'thought bubble', more like fart bubble...

End of the day, and this rests with Bogut, as the old saying goes 'put up or shut up'..

He said he was keen, so a number of clubs probably made deals with the devil and gave up first born children to make it happen.

He's now sitting in the lame duck position, with personally, not a whole lot to gain bar goodwill and more to lose if things turn to custard.

Does anyone know anything about the company managing him One Management? I started following them on twitter to keep in the loop about his signing but I get the impression they've not been in the game long and perhaps don't really know what they're doing.

In particular this struck me as odd:

Exciting times. Hopefully we will have a full time office base by the end of the week. Look out, @One_Management is coming.

Yep yep, I understand that someone has to cover it, but I can't see why this is so difficult. If a club has found the cash, and an insurance policy has been accepted, then what's with the dicking around?? I'm led to believe that Sydney have a policy and cash ready to go.

There are ways to move money, investments etc. As a person trying to protect his own interests, he's not doing a lot (on the surface) to help. He's a marketable person, and companies would probably throw some money at in exchange for appearance etc etc.

Just before he was drafted, Bogut did an interview which I posted here, talking promoting the NBL and assisting in it's growth. Well, maybe that day is someday with week. (You even bolded the important parts for me)

http://www.hoops.com.au/forum/3371-bogut-draft-interview-part-2/

As I see it, and too be honest, I'm over the "will he, won't he", if he wanted to play he could make it happen tomorrow.

TR, this article probably answers your question about FIBA. Is quite old though, so you would think they'd have a streamlined process for players to follow by now.

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/07/29/FIBA-clearance/index.html

One thing to remember about this process is that Bogut said some weeks back that, while he did want to play, he didn't want to bankrupt any NBL clubs either. If he went into this having been advised that an insurance deal could be worked out, but then it turned out that satisfactory insurance coverage proved a little too much for all NBL clubs, then I don't think its fair to crucify him for it.

The other thing to think about is that his agent has said lawyers back in the US are involved in the talks too. Are they Bogut's lawyers or the Milwaukee Bucks lawyers? I wouldn't be surprised to hear if lawyers representing the Bucks were insisting on stronger protections in the insurance deal than NBL clubs can afford.

Last thing to consider is that they could be stalling a tiny bit, to see what comes out of the current NBA collective bargaining talks. Stern said today that next Monday is the deadline to reach agreement before the NBA starts cancelling games. Bogut wouldn't want to sign this week, only for an agreement to be reached and for him to have to report to training camp in the US having played only 2-3 games here.

TR, maybe there is something else he can do re: getting a sponsor on board to help with the insurance, but he has done a fair bit already in reportedly agreeing to play for the NBL minimum of $32k. I strongly doubt any other NBA players are jumping at deals to play overseas for that little!

Thanks Bean, as I said, part of the issue that I have is that I haven't been following this all that closely, so happy to be corrected and given a helping hand.

If done correctly, I can't see how Bogut would backrupt a NBL franchise. Proper safeguards, third party deals etc. I also think the NBL is being narrow minded on this as well.

The AFL have done smart things with players at new franchises. Hell, they dropped a few mill on a NRL player who has never played a decent game of AFL football in his life.

He should do what Boris Diaw has done. Diaw bought a French team a while ago, and is now playing for them on a minimum wage. Investing is his home league, and investing in his own club.

I will retain my blinkers and blind faith that if he wanted it to happen tomorrow, it could happen tomorrow.

I think we're all operating mostly on blind faith right now TR... that and Aussie basketball journalism - I'm not sure which is more reliable really.

My thought on this and as the article linked above says there is already a trodden path for Bogut to follow in regards to insurance. Why is it so difficult for him when others have got the cover needed quite easily. And they got it months ago as well.

One Management have suggested it is not the cost that is the issue now but certain clauses. If the Spurs lawyers are happy with the cover Ginobili got then why would the Bucks be putting higher than necessary pressure on Bogut?

There are a number of legitimate questions that One / they could answer very quickly. They are happy to tweet the hype, it would be good if they did the same with some of these grey areas.

Bean, I don't believe that the NBL would allow Bogut to play for minimum - there is the expectation that a player of a certain calibre be paid a certain amount under the cap. He wouldn't have to be paid mega bucks, but something remotely close to what other 10 point players would be getting. Same is true for all players I think.

The constant mentioning of FIBA has had me suspicious for a while. I hope I am wrong.

Kings have just plugged ticket sales for their first home game. Probably just coincidental though.

I Heard he was talking about lawn bowls Isaac... ;-)

oops, must be going cross-eyed. My comment is in response to anon

No, still up in the air, still a possibility I guess. Everyone just frustrated with the insurance issue.

Previous anon, I think that was in response to Skip and BF but a bit puzzling if so - one's a music guy and the other is a silent partner in a team (who admittedly was pretty soundly baiting Bogut; both are hotheads - sorry Ben!). Neither has much to do with running Australian basketball. Unless Skip is secretly orchestrating the demise of the NBL, I'm not sure where the hurt's coming from. Never felt that Skip was anything but genuine about basketball and everything else.

Where are the skip and BF comments that are being referred to?

On Bogut's twitter account

Yep, Isaac has it right. Everyone just a bit frustrated with the whole process (incl Bogut) right now and causing a bit of unnecessary angst.

Just need to let Bogut get on with it and make his decision when he is ready, rather than provoking silly comments on twitter.

Have to agree with Fitz. What's the hold up, seriously?? There are some questions which can be easily answered instead of delay tactics.

A number of NBL teams have allegedly met the asking price, NBA players are currently playing in other leagues around the world, other players and agents are getting it done.

Is the insurance process made harder due to the concerns regarding AB's elbow or back issues???

Is it because insurance companies don't want to touch the policy??

I really hope (and want) AB joins the Kings, as it will give a great boost to the league, hell, I'll be driving from Canberra to Sydney and the Gong to watch him play if he suits up. I'm just struggling to see how difficult this all is.

In some ways, the marketing/branding pre-season boat has sailed. The A-League promoted the crap out of Harry Kewell, and I place AB on the same pedestal as Kewell in Australian sports, right up the top.

Happy to be educated if someone can give the answers.

Anon, Bogut's not going to stay out of the NBL because someone on Twitter baited him into responding by airing what a few people are thinking behind the scenes, so don't worry about that. Whether Ben should've antagonised him or whether Bogut's should've bothered responding is another issue.

I don't think the Blaze for example would've bailed if they weren't frustrated at something - remember there was a point where their players were pretty confident about it all (probably club meeting the insurance figure, etc). This would've been a negotiation that none of these clubs had experienced previously and I bet that has come into play also.

AndrewMBogut Andrew Bogut
It really hurts me seeing what sort of people we have running the game I love in Australia.

In a response to Ian Robilliard's playbook perhaps?

Hahahaha, nice one FM

Tony Parker has officially signed with his club ASVEL in France...

What's Kobe in Italy? $3M for 40days?

I just wish the Bogut would make an announcement of who he intends to sign for. At least Adelaide & Sydney can then get on with the season knowing they will either have the big guy for a while or they won't. And I dare say both clubs have got fans holding off on buying tickets until they know if Bogut will suit up for them or not so it's not helping the NBL or the clubs by not knowing.

Sure, I'm hoping AB signs here with the 36ers, but I'm not holding my breath. Either club can live without him though I think Adelaide are better off for centres with two near 7 footers (DJ & Halliwell) on the roster and Bogut aside, I think we'll find that DJ is going to be the best centre in the NBL this season and for a few years to come. IMO DJ can become the NBL's next Mark Bradtke.....ie the leagues most dominant centre (and while he's with the 3ers, that's a bonus for us).

When you say the 36ers are better off than Sydney for centres, are you forgetting the big Kazoo and veteran Mark Nitties? Sydney are fairly well off in the big man department themselves and that's not including Jerai Grant. They almost get too big if Bogut joins.

Shame to see the Twitter messages. Good on Bogut for replying but no-one wins when disagreements are played out publicly.

Let me start by saying this is entirely my opinion, and sorry for such a long post

I think Fitz raised some good questions to Bogut/One Management on twitter, all of which were either unanswered or completely ignored.

With all the talk that teams were able to meet the insurance requirements along with salary/points cap stuff and yet no deal has been done (or looks close to done), it makes me wonder whether Bogut will suit up in the NBL.

As far as I was aware FIBA gave the initial clearance for NBA players to play overseas (starting with the Deron Williams contract), outside of that it is just a matter of meeting insurance coverage and finding a team willing to make the payments/meet the demands of NBA players.
There is something like 60+ players currently under contract in various leagues around the world during the lockout, I'm starting to wonder what the hold up is on getting a deal done.

One Management responded to one of Fitz's tweets by saying:

all players are different and are prepared to take different degrees of risk

"Due to issues in gaining appropriate insurance cover for my existing injury I am unwilling and unable to take this significant risk by playing in the NBL for the duration of the NBA Lockout"

Bogut initiated the NBL announcement via twitter, hence he deserves what anyone wants to throw his way.

To anon #333372:
As social media, Twitter is essentially 2-Way communication. If someone tweets @ me, there is no reason why I have to reply. For a professional athlete using twitter as a means of communicating with their fans, they should expect to not only be asked questions when something like this comes up, but also be willing to cop the criticism and other aspects of it as well.

Many athletes seem happy to use Twitter to promote themselves, their teams, their brands, their sponsors etc. and that's great - But they have to remember that by using social media and providing fans with this kind of access to them, they will be asked tough questions, be criticised and possibly even abused by fans (and non-fans).

I'm not denying that he was bothered by it, in fact I am pleased to see that he seems to be responding to fans on a regular basis.

The fact that the continual hype and dragging of the process has been ongoing (with no clear end in sight - through no obvious fault of his), you could say it is slowly becoming an NBL version of LeBron's "Decision" announcement:

- Multiple teams vying for his services
- Extra focus of the media on the situation
- Teams holding out for a decision, which delays filling of roster spots etc.
- Fans of all clubs involved becoming more frustrated from a lack of information and outcomes

Now don't get me wrong, in no way am I saying that Bogut is the equivalent of LeBron in terms of the potential damage it may cause to teams, but you have to admit that a lot of the media hype may turn into backlash if something negative were to happen (ie: Not able to secure appropriate insurance and unable to play in the NBL)

Not sure why any anger was thrown at me. I mentioned on my Twitter that there were people now implying that he wasn't genuine about playing in the NBL and finished the tweet saying I hoped that wasn't the case.

I never said that was my opinion. I also never tagged him in the tweet.

Was surprised he would have even seen the tweet as he doesn't follow me.

His people are watching you Skip.

Be afraid, be very afraid....

=P

hahahaha skip ....

I am going to tweet him and tell him he looks like a tall hobo when his hair is long and see if he will tell me to grow up too

The accessibility of Bogut (and a lot of Australian basketball players) on Twitter is great IMO - using Twitter well.

For what it's worth, who seriously thought Bogut was a chance in hell he'd ever join the 36ers?

From anon's link:

He [Bevo] let slip Andrew Bogut was a certainty to sign with Sydney this week.

Skip is an absolute goose without a clue - should seriously STFU

There would have been a lot of clauses in AB's contract that would not allow him to put himself in a situation where he could potentially get injured, unless it was with the Milwaukee Bucks or another team in the NBA.
I remember reading a story once about Luc Longley and how he dislocated his shoulder whilst Body Boarding and then his Insurance deal disallowed him from doing that anymore. It also included things like riding a Harley Davidson, ski diving, bungee jumping etc.
All insurance deals worth that much would have some very strict details relating to the client, no of which the average Joe would know about.
So I really do think people should just get on with life and stop worrying about where he's going to play or if he's going to play.
We got some great media around the country and the world which is a great thing for our game, let's take that as a win and get on with life.
I wouldn't be surprised if AB just says I can't be bothered with this shit anymore, it's all too hard and doesn't play anywhere and moves back to the states to work out with the NBA guys over there.

Completely agree w your comments about detailed insurance clauses Panther. It's exactly the reason why I'm willing to believe that Bogut is genuinely having probs getting an acceptable agreement.

TR - just in response to your's and others' comments about Bogut and his ability to secure insurance.

The issue isn't getting insurance, it's what that insurance covers and how much risk Bogut can and should accept in undertaking an exercise that primarily benefits the NBL.

Yes, he does have some profile benefits, although I don't think that's an issue for him in Oz anyway. He does have some other potential business promotion benefits, but certainly nothing that warrants putting at risk the $35M + contract he has in the NBA.

I think Bogut's only mistake was being too keen to announce he would play in the NBL, before fully understanding the complexities of his insurence issues. As someone else said earlier, it's likely out of genuine excitement rather than some alterior motive, but it does give ammunition to the haters and the conspiracy theorists.

In my view, Bogut has shown time and time again that he is an advocate for Australian basketball, without seeking personal acclaim in return. I think the example where he met Kings' players salaries when the Firepower fiasco was going on demonstrates that. That was something that only hit the media well after the fact.

Thanks doc, appreciated the insight.