This is a general question for anyone to answer. In the NCAA they have player participation rules, like a player can't practice if they aren't cleared by the NCAA clearinghouse. For the NBA, there is also a clearinghouse of sorts when trades are made or contracts are signed... however, is there a practice rule for when a player is waiting to be cleared to play? My question of course stems from the news that Dampier has agreed in principle to signing a contract with us... but since we can't sign him until we clear a roster spot what is his availability? If he chooses to, could he practice with the team? Even though he's not technically employed by the Rockets yet? Thanks in advance for the answer!!
i would think houston wouldnt let him since he's technically not employed by the NBA yet, which means he's not covered medically? Or dampier wouldnt want to because of that. Seems to risky for both sides if he gets hurt prior to him signing.
I think he was reported to have already "worked out" with the team when he visited Houston earlier. My guess is that he can probably continue to work with the team (show up to practice, lift weights, shower with the guys, etc.) as long as he is not paid for these since salary is what implicates the collective bargaining agreement. If I were the NBA, my concern would be for a team that has all 15 spots filled circumventing the collective bargaining agreement by paying good money to a guy (or several guys) who could have otherwise signed with another team to be on their "practice squad" and keeping them away from rivals.
I think it boils down to Houston wouldn't let him practice with them, not the other way around. If Dampier get's injured in practice and he has no contract, then Houston cannot claim his injuries with respect to insurance. That would be my guess...
Agree with Carl Herrera. Free agents "work out" with teams all the time. Granted, it's a bit different since he has come to terms, but as long as we're not compensating him for this time, I can't imagine it'd be a problem. It's worth noting that every game his signing is delayed is costing him money since his contract will be prorated (or if we raise the value of his contract to compensate, it costs us dollar for dollar due to the luxury tax). If he is working out with the team, Dampier has taken out insurance himself since the Rockets could theoretically back out of a deal if he gets hurt. Many rookies who want to play in summer league but haven't signed their contracts do this -- I recall it was a bit of an ordeal with Joey Dorsey, and he missed the first game or two of the Summer League his first year.
Thanks for the responses. I was wondering for a couple of reasons.. one being if he was participating it would make his transition easier when he is officially added to the roster and two if that was going to cause even more confusion for players getting defined roles while there is still the likelihood of upheaval.
