On September 16, 2011, I wrote that Jamal Crawford was on to the next one after he officially terminated Aaron Goodwin of Goodwin Sports Management as his representative.  Crawford had not given any indication as to who would become his next agent of record.  According to the NY Daily News, Crawford has finally made a decision, opting to sign with Andy Miller of ASM Sports.

Frank Isola of the NY Daily News seemed to somehow think that Crawford’s new relationship with Miller, in particular, may lead him to signing with the New York Knicks or the New Jersey Nets.  He seems to base that theory on Miller being domiciled in New Jersey, close to both teams.  Yes, that logic sounds silly to me, as well.  However, Miller does have three clients on the Knicks roster.

Jamal Crawford Picks Andy Miller Of ASM Sports For Representation from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

An agent makes up only one part of what should be a comprehensive athlete business team.  There may be many other components to that team, including public relations specialists, accountants, and financial advisors.

Recently, my friend Jared Zwerling of ESPN.com interviewed Mark Doman, who is the financial advisor for Landry Fields of the New York Knicks.  Doman is the Senior Vice President of True Capital Management, which specializes in providing investment advice and financial planning for many professional athletes.  He also has experience in the sports agent industry.  He interned for basketball agent Curtis Polk when Doman was only 15-years old and also completed internships for major agency Octagon and others as well.

I encourage you to read Zwerling’s interview with Doman in its entirety.  Here is the 4th (out of 10) things Doman wants you to know about his job:

I work hand-in-hand with agents to make sure our clients are financial secure during their entire lifetime. An agent, or contract adviser, is an integral part of an athlete’s life. My goals are the same as theirs in the sense that I want the athletes to have money for their entire lifetime. I step in and help with their long-term financial planning; agents must think more short-term to maximize the athlete’s earning power. That’s why I decided to do what I do. Their athletic abilities is what gives the athletes the opportunities to earn this money, but they need guidance for life after sports. Sports can be three to 10 years of their life, but then their post-athletic career is typically 40 to 60 years. It’s that part of their life that I’m really concerned about planning for.

Including Financial Advisors To Keep Clients Financially Secure from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

New York Knicks

1. Whether or not this makes the Knicks any better now? (I think there is no question that this has all the makings of a perennial powerhouse in the not so distant future)
2. Are the Knicks clearing the way for one more superstar to join forces with Camar’e Stoudamelo in 2012?
3. Did the Knicks give up too much for Carmelo, and could they have actually gotten him this off season?

While the answers to these questions are up for debate, and probably can’t be answered until the new Knicks hit the court, there is a consequence to this trade that really only affects Knicks fans, but one that nobody is talking about; the rise in ticket prices.

In the early stages since the trade, the New York Post is reporting that ticket prices have doubled or even tripled (depending on the opponent) for upcoming games at Madison Square Garden. Tickets for Wednesday night’s game against the Bucks have risen from a minimum of $60.00 to around $185.00 on StubHub. With the new CBA just around the corner, the financial landscape for each NBA team will drastically change in the coming years. Carmelo’s arrival in NY might just be the best early excuse for a rise in ticket prices at MSG, which probably would have been inevitable for next season anyway.

Nevertheless, this is New York City. Despite the rise in ticket prices, the Garden will still be filled; rocking and buzzing like it was for Ewing’s Knicks. Carmelo Anthony wanted NY. NY (both the fans and management) wanted Carmelo. Let the cries of “Go NY Go NY Go!” be heard louder than ever; just know it will come from people now with less money in their wallets, but more passion in their allegiance to the orange and blue.

Carm And Get ‘Em from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Wilson Chandler, the 3rd year New York Knicks forward from DePaul University, has made a switch of representation.  He was formerly represented by Chris Luchey of CGL Sports.  I’m still a big fan of Luchey’s website – at least it is different than the run of the mill sports agency webpage.

Prior to starting up his own firm, Luchey was a Senior Manager of Client Services at Wasserman Media Group, and before that, Director of Player Personnel/Scouting at SFX Sports Group.  The first link on his LinkedIN page is a link to an article about Wilson Chandler’s stock rising.  That needs to be changed, pronto.

As for Chandler, RealGM reports that he is considering Dan Fegan, Arn Tellem, Leon Rose, Andy Miller, and Happy Walters as his new agent.  Tellem would be a stinger, as he is the head honcho at WMG (Luchey’s old firm).  Walters would be an interesting choice – he is the man behind Amar’e Stoudemire.

On To The Next One: Wilson Chandler from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

For the fourth straight year, we are honored to be involved with a group of the web’s best blogs in a venture to provide previews for each NBA team.  As is the norm, I will be covering the Miami Heat.  Besides posting the Heat preview, I will be linking to the other sites that are covering all teams not named the Miami Heat.  We are starting with the Atlantic Division.  Feel free to check out any of the previews below and have a great weekend.

Celtics: CelticsBlog | Celtics 24/7 | Celtics Central | Celtics Hub | CelticsLife | Gino’s Jungle | RedsArmy.com | SBNation Boston | SBN Recap

Knicks: Posting and Toasting | Bandwagon Knick | KnickerBlogger.Net | SBN Recap

Nets: NetsDaily | NetsAreScorching | Fanway | SBN Recap

Raptors: Raptors HQ | Hoops Addict | Hip Hoop Junkies | SBN Recap

Sixers: Liberty Ballers

NBA Blog Previews: Atlantic Division Recap from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Even prior to the official start of the 2010 NBA free agency period, there was a buzz around the New Orleans Hornets’ front office regarding one of their key players.  Star guard and face of the franchise, Chris Paul, stated that he wants out of the Big Easy if the organization isn’t committed to winning.  Though it is hard to believe that the executives of a club worth upwards of a quarter of a billion dollars (Forbes estimated the team to have a net worth of $272 million in 2007) aren’t committed to the success of their entity, the Hornets have still begun to make moves to please Paul.

Co-Owner Gary Chouest has opened negotiations for a transfer of ownership that would involve purchasing George Shinn’s majority share.  The two owners have not yet come to terms on a final deal, but it is assumed that once the transaction is made, Chouest will be investing ample money and resources into the team that would hopefully keep Paul from flying the coup. Note, there is no timetable on the deal, and the two parties are $24 to $30 million apart in negotiations, so this could take some time.

Additionally, New Orleans hired a new General Manager, 40-year old Dell Demps, to replace Jeff Bower, who spent 15 years with the Hornets, the last five as GM.  Though seemingly young, Demps already has 9 years of coaching and managerial experience, first with the NBDL, then the New York Knicks, and finally with the San Antonio Spurs as Director of Pro Personnel.  Furthermore, he already has a solid rapport with head coach Monty Williams as the two were former NBA teammates.  Demps said that he “could tell that something special was building within the organization,” and that “the Hornets are a great organization with a lot of positive pieces.”  Hopefully Paul is on the same page as Demps, or the latter statement could lose some verity.

On July 10, the spectacle that was Carmelo Anthony’s wedding took place in New York City.  Before an all star guest list and media in attendance, Chris Paul took the liberty of making a speech in which he allegedly claimed “We’ll make our own big three,” in reference to Anthony, himself, and Amar’e Stoudemire joining forces, presumably in New York.  If this didn’t alarm the Hornet’s front office, I don’t know what will.

The Hornets push to placate Paul may hit a snag when it comes to their financial situation and the pressure and difficulty of signing another headliner mounts.  Currently, role players such as Peja Stojakovic, Emeka Okafor and James Posey are looking at combined payouts of $33.3 million this upcoming season, and New Orleans has little room under the NBA’s luxury tax threshold.  However, the emergence of rookie guards Darren Collison (76 games, 12.4 PPG, 5.7 APG) and Marcus Thornton (73 games, 14.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG) as well as positive play from Power Forward David West (81 games, 19 PPG, 7.5 RPG), may give Paul confidence that there is an elite team being built around him, and keep him at bay in the Crescent City.

The New Orleans Hornets look like they are setting sail towards future success as one of the top contenders for the championship this season.  The only question is whether or not Chris Paul will captain the voyage, or if he is going to jump ship.

Will Chris Paul Stay As King Bee? from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

According to the money, our money should be on the Celtics.  And in the Finals, our money should be on the Lakers.  But more importantly than that, it is necessary to realize that three out of the four teams left in the playoffs are in the top 6 in payroll.  The Phoenix Suns are sitting at #9 (payroll $74.9 million).  And last round, 7 of the 8 teams left in the playoffs were in the top 10 in payroll, with only the Atlanta Hawks as the major surprise with the #22 payroll of $65.9 million.

What does this tell us other than the fact that Al Horford is a miracle worker?  That if you want to win in the NBA, you better put your money where your mouth is.  This should quiet everyone who complains that the MLB isn’t fair due to the lack of a salary cap.  The NBA has a cap (albeit a soft one), yet does the playoff landscape say anything of competitive balance?  What it says is that teams that want to win better be willing to pay talented players what they are worth.

Out of the top 10 spenders in the NBA, 9 of the teams made the playoffs (the New York Knicks being the odd team out).  16 out of 30 teams make the playoffs.  Out of the bottom 10 spenders, 7 of them were left out of the playoffs (the Portland Trailblazers, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the aforementioned Hawks being the exceptions).

The NBA: You Have To Pay To Play from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

However, the NBA plans to cut the salary cap for the 2010-2011 season. This could have a huge impact on who championship contending teams are able to pursue. The current 2009-2010 salary cap is set at $57.7 million, and many teams expect a $3 million to $6 million cut. The New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, and Miami Heat plan to have the most money to spend in free agency. Many playoff contending teams could look to smaller names to get them into better contention. Names such as Carlos Boozer and Joe Johnson will also be available. The Heat may look at keeping Wade and adding a couple of pieces through the draft and a smaller contract in free agency.

With less room to operate under the cap, it is tough to imagine LeBron, Bosh, or Wade going to another playoff contending team. Look for teams to add less expensive players and improve for the draft in the 2010 off-season. Many big-name players will likely remain with their teams on a smaller term deal until the cap situation improves. The amount of salary cap that the NBA cuts will have a huge impact on whether or not these stars switch jerseys in 2010-2011.

What The 2010 NBA Salary Cap Means For Free Agency from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

On December 28th, New York Knicks guard Nate Robinson was fined $25,000 for publicly demanding a trade. NBA policy does not allow players to make trade demands through the media. The NBA considers actions like this “detrimental to the NBA.” However, Robinson never made the demand himself. In fact, it is his desire to remain in New York. Robinson was hit with the fine due to his agent’s comments on December 19th. Robinson’s agent, Aaron Goodwin of Goodwin Sports, had said that he could not let his client rot on coach Mike D’Antoni’s bench and not do anything about it. Goodwin requested that if the Knicks weren’t going to play Robinson, that they should trade him so that he could move on with his career. He believed there was a personal motivation on D’Antoni’s part for not wanting to play Robinson. At the time, Robinson had not played for eight straight games.

Robinson denied authorizing Goodwin to make the comments or that he wished to be traded. Apparently, Goodwin had it wrong about D’Antoni’s feelings on Robinson as the guard lit it up for 41 points this weekend against Atlanta. Now it appears that D’Antoni will use Robinson as a regular in the rotation.

While things turned out good for Robinson in the end, something should be said about the agent’s actions in this case. An agent shouldn’t speak on behalf of a client without the client’s consent, especially on a matter as important as requesting a trade. Goodwin should have voiced his concerns about Robinson’s playing time with Robinson prior to speaking to the team.

Goodwin should also not make comments that are detrimental to the NBA. His business depends on his relationships with teams. When Goodwin goes to negotiate with the Knicks on future contracts, it is likely that they won’t forget the agent’s actions. Robinson’s next contract or another client’s contract may not be as favorable due to Goodwin’s comments about D’Antoni and the Knicks. If I were Robinson, I would be sending Goodwin a $25,000 bill for the comments he made to the Knicks. Robinson shouldn’t have to pay for his agent’s poor judgment.

My guess is that Goodwin recognized that this was a pivotal year for Robinson as he becomes a free agent after the season. With the little interest that Robinson received prior to signing with the Knicks last season, his agent wanted Robinson to play as much as possible in order to showcase him and increase his free agent status.

Goodwin’s concerns are justified. No one wants their client to warm the bench and not play. It’s not good for the player, whose interests the agent represents. It is also not good for business, as an agent will build a reputation around his client’s success. But an agent must not speak on behalf of a client without making sure the client is on board with what the agent is going to say.

In this situation, Robinson has maintained that he wishes to remain with the Knicks and doesn’t want to leave. His agent may have jeopardized these wishes as it has been reported that the Knicks have attempted to trade Robinson on a few occasions recently. The most recent rumor is that Robinson was going to Memphis for Marcus Williams and a draft pick. However, it is believed that the deal fell through when Robinson exercised his veto power over the deal. This furthers the notion that Goodwin acted on behalf of Robinson without consulting him first and has not advanced his client’s true interests.

The $25,000 fine appears to be the first time in the NBA that a player has been fined for something an agent said. Hopefully agents now see what their ill advised comments can do to their clients and this will be the last time a player is fined for what his agents say.

Nate Robinson Should Question His Agent’s Actions from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

According to ESPN.com, it seems as if Allen Iverson’s chances of making a difference in this year’s NBA season are dwindling even further than they had already. The New York Knicks announced this morning that they will not be signing the 10-time all star. The former MVP and scoring champion was waived on Tuesday after taking a leave of absence for family issues, or for what most believe to be, unhappiness with coming off the bench.

This past summer (when Iverson was an unrestricted free agent) marked a pivotal point in his career. He had two options: 1) Change his attitude and playing habits, or 2) Continue to act like the immature player we have all come to know.

Teams have been scared of what they were getting when singing Iverson, and they had every right to be. Very rarely in Iverson’s career has he helped a TEAM to succeed. He has always been a player with the ability to score at will, and be a great passer as well, but rarely has he displayed the ability to work as a team player for the greater good of the team. There was that one 2001 finals run, coached by Larry Brown, which brings many people to speculate that in this time of turmoil in Iverson’s career, Brown may take a chance on him.

The real issue in signing Iverson comes back to the same point every time: Can he sacrifice his love for having the ball in his hands to create a winning atmosphere? At the end of last season, knowing his time with the Detroit Pistons was coming to and end, he said that he was willing to do anything to win a championship. He wanted nothing more than to be happy and win. But like always, things are much easier said than done. He eventually signed with the one team that showed enough interest, and yet again, displayed his displeasure with a supporting role.

Allen Iverson has always been, and will most likely always be, a cancer to the teams he plays on. He will go in and ruin any type of team chemistry that team may have had. He was able to be successful on the Sixers for many years because they would give him the ball, and let him do his thing, but after 10 years, they grew tired of his selfish attitude. From there, he went to the Nuggets, a team with great potential, and a seemingly great situation for Iverson as he would be paired with a great scorer in Carmelo Anthony, but like in Philadelphia, the Nuggets just could not develop the type of chemistry needed to go deep into the playoffs. He then traveled to Detroit, where the team grew so tired of him so quickly, they milked his back injury for everything it was worth, and basically paid him to sit on the bench for the remainder of the year. And, most recently Iverson and the Grizzlies had to part ways after only 3 games, due to his unhappiness with coming off the bench.

In today’s NBA, chemistry means everything, and Iverson is the antithesis of a player with the ability to develop chemistry. Many analysts suspected that if his stint with the Grizzlies did not go well, that contract would be his last, and in my opinion, it most likely should be. If I were in charge of putting together a team, I don’t think I would want to take the risk of having him disrupt what chemistry has already been put together. Iverson now has two choices: 1) Mean what you say and play as a TEAM player, or 2) Leave the NBA on somebody else’s terms, but please, if you do leave AI, leave with dignity and class.

Allen Iverson’s Answer Is… from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules