The Karma Bet of 2009
July 20th 2009 21:58
The Karma Bet applies to people in sports who simply get what they deserve after making a big decision about his or her career. The Karma Bet sounds like it can only be applied negatively, but it does have some positive examples historically and can go either way. This summer's biggest Karma Bet, however, does not bode well for its recipient. Trevor Ariza, come on down!
Freshly signed Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza has to be kicking himself right now, after last week's news that superstar teammate Yao Ming will miss the entire 2009-10 season after undergoing surgery on his left foot for the 3rd time. Less than a month after winning his first NBA title with his hometown LA Lakers, Ariza was a highly coveted free agent, and was due to cash in on some stark improvement to his game.
Everyone assumed that the Lakers had the inside lane to re-sign Ariza, and offered him the mid-level salary exception worth $5.8 million per year over 5 years. Ariza was underwhelmed by the organization's offer, feeling like he earned more money with his clutch performance throughout the Laker playoff run. So Ariza spurned the Lakers and held out for more money from another team. The thing is, he signed with the Rockets for less than $1 million more per season than LA was offering.
I could see this coming from Ariza. Up until this offseason, he was the consummate shut-up, play hard, and fill your role player. He did this immaculately for the Lakers for the better part of 2 seasons, and was vital to the 2009 title. Apparently, a little success went to his head, and a typically NBA ego was born. Characteristic of this ego is an aversion to common sense. "Absolutely, I'll squeeze my salary cap-strapped hometown World Champion team for more money, wait a few days for them to cave in and offer more, change my mind, and then sign with the team that is clearly not as good as my old team for the same amount. That makes perfect sense." Ariza should fire his agent and represent himself from now on.
The Karma has kicked in for Ariza, and he is getting what he deserves for being greedy and egotistical. Yao Ming is out for the season and may have a career-ending injury. Tracy McGrady is injury-prone, mentally brittle, and can't win a meaningful game or series. Ron Artest bolted Houston and switched places with Ariza on a stacked Laker roster. Ariza has has opted for a pot roast despite being offered filet mignon at the same price. Now, he'll toil in Houston as this summer's victim of Karma.
Memo to Lamar Odom (and agent Jeff Schwartz): beware the tale of Trevor Ariza, and avoid doing the EXACT SAME THING.
Freshly signed Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza has to be kicking himself right now, after last week's news that superstar teammate Yao Ming will miss the entire 2009-10 season after undergoing surgery on his left foot for the 3rd time. Less than a month after winning his first NBA title with his hometown LA Lakers, Ariza was a highly coveted free agent, and was due to cash in on some stark improvement to his game.
Everyone assumed that the Lakers had the inside lane to re-sign Ariza, and offered him the mid-level salary exception worth $5.8 million per year over 5 years. Ariza was underwhelmed by the organization's offer, feeling like he earned more money with his clutch performance throughout the Laker playoff run. So Ariza spurned the Lakers and held out for more money from another team. The thing is, he signed with the Rockets for less than $1 million more per season than LA was offering.
I could see this coming from Ariza. Up until this offseason, he was the consummate shut-up, play hard, and fill your role player. He did this immaculately for the Lakers for the better part of 2 seasons, and was vital to the 2009 title. Apparently, a little success went to his head, and a typically NBA ego was born. Characteristic of this ego is an aversion to common sense. "Absolutely, I'll squeeze my salary cap-strapped hometown World Champion team for more money, wait a few days for them to cave in and offer more, change my mind, and then sign with the team that is clearly not as good as my old team for the same amount. That makes perfect sense." Ariza should fire his agent and represent himself from now on.
The Karma has kicked in for Ariza, and he is getting what he deserves for being greedy and egotistical. Yao Ming is out for the season and may have a career-ending injury. Tracy McGrady is injury-prone, mentally brittle, and can't win a meaningful game or series. Ron Artest bolted Houston and switched places with Ariza on a stacked Laker roster. Ariza has has opted for a pot roast despite being offered filet mignon at the same price. Now, he'll toil in Houston as this summer's victim of Karma.
Memo to Lamar Odom (and agent Jeff Schwartz): beware the tale of Trevor Ariza, and avoid doing the EXACT SAME THING.
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