Dumb question, but if Hakeem is "proven" unable to play, don't the Raptors have insurance on him, and don't they get their money back from the deal with him? I thought the reason the Raptors have him around is to prove (to the Raptor's insurers) Hakeem's disability and collect *their* bit of insurance. But to satisfy the insurance people, he has to make a good faith effort at recovery. Dave.
Hakeem isnt the only player to ever do this. Patrick Ewind did this before him. And now even Shaq has his own brand cheaper shoes for kids. The point I made is that, if Hakeem is going to continue to collect his paycheck then he should make himself available to the team. But thats not happening. If he's going to collect the money, and not officially retire, then why is he accepting retirement ceremonies in Houston? Yeah, the money is 80 percent insured, but the Raps cap space isn't. And so far Hakeem hasn't been given a medical pass by the league to give the Raps some cap relief. And if he retires, he does not get the money. Injury retirement being the only reason he would. But retiring in at the beggining of a contract is in business sense essentially quitting. And I was pretty positive he would of forfeited his pay. Now you can see why Im so distressed by what he is doing. You can look at my screenname and see that I love the guy. But in this case he tarnish's his image. IMO.
Magic Johnson didn't play in a salary cap era either. So cash cow Lakers probably didnt worry about it too much. Big difference in Money available to a non capped Lakers team, and a capped Toronto team.
