Chapter 69 Career Planning
In the American sports world, agents and athletes are inseparable and have a great impact on athletes. Take NBA players for example. In addition to training and competitions, off-court contracts, advertising, endorsements and even investment plans are all handed over to the broker to complete.
Excellent agents can help players get greater benefits and eliminate external interference and troubles; while inferior agents may choose teams that they don’t like or even are inappropriate for their own selfishness, and they may even have trouble coming to the door.
Many extremely talented players gradually abandon their talents because they did not choose a good agent. This is not because Chi Liang is so cautious.
"I personally think that as a basketball agent, my greatest responsibility is not to make profits for his players. Instead, find a team suitable for development for players and better play to his strength and talent. At the same time, you must take care of his daily life, eliminate all kinds of troubles for him, and avoid affecting the players' status. Mr. Chi Liang, I am very optimistic about your potential. As long as we cooperate, I will do my best to provide you with the best service and give you a better future. This is my career plan for you!"
After saying that, Bill Duffy's expression was full of tension. Although he has been in the industry for more than ten years, he is not a big-name agent now.
In the American sports world, the reputation of an agent is equivalent to his or her professional life. You must never promise what you cannot do, otherwise you may be fired by the player or even eliminated by this circle.
Before finding Chi Liang, Bill Duffy carefully studied Chi Liang's information and watched all the videos of Chi Liang's games.
To be honest, he is optimistic about Chi Liang and believes that Chi Liang has all the factors to succeed. But he is very surprised. With Chi Liang's strength, why does he have no agent until now?
Chi Liang did not comment, but continued to ask: "If I were to seek a transfer, should I go to a big city or a small city? What do you think should I make a choice?"
For players, it is important to transfer or renewal, which is related to the player's career.
"I'll analyze for you first. Big cities have many advantages, which can easily enhance the reputation of players and bring more economic benefits to players, such as advertising contracts, endorsements, etc. At the same time, it is easier to become an All-Star. For example, Kobe Bryant averaged only 15.4 points per game, but he became the starting player of the All-Star Game. The teammates selected with him include Shaquille O'Neal, Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel! Except for O'Neal, if the other three are in a small city team, it will be difficult to be selected as an All-Star Game, let alone the All-Star Game starter!"
After pausing a little, Duffy continued: "For many agents, their income is closely related to their players, and big cities have naturally become their focus. So when facing choices, many agents put economic interests first. But I don't make this choice. I think we should look at it for the long term. For you now, big cities are not the focus. Choosing the right team is the first choice. When you become a top-notch or even top star in the league, even if you do nothing, interests will come to you on your own initiative!"
Looking at Bill Duffy, Chi Liang did not respond immediately, and was still full of caution.
Player agents do not always stand with players, many players have had the experience of being cheated by agents.
Every year, many NBA players have been cheated by their agents. The well-known ones such as Duncan, who have been cheated of $20 million by their agents.
In addition to fraud, there are many examples where players have no ball to play in the NBA due to agent operation errors. They can only be forced to play overseas, and their future can be imagined.
"Mr. Duffy, you probably haven't had breakfast yet, why don't we talk while eating?"
Although he was quite satisfied with Duffy, Chi Liang did not make a decision immediately. He was going to continue to observe.
Hearing this, Duffy knew that he had been half successful. While being excited, he didn't dare to relax, for fear that Chi Liang would get bored for some reason, which would lead to the failure of the contract.
Compared with players, the competition for NBA agents is more cruel, and many agents cannot even solve the problem of food and clothing.
Bill Duffy now has only a few players under his belt, so he can only be considered a well-off level.
In the training hall, there are naturally professional chefs who prepare food for the players, all of which are nutritious meals and the taste is not good.
Chi Liang didn't mind this, but instead ate with relish. If you want to maintain training or continue your career, you must strictly demand yourself.
During the meal, Chi Liang and Bill Duffy talked a lot, most of which were related to life, and occasionally touched on some questions.
Soon, the two ended their breakfast.
Chi Liang is very satisfied with Duffy. This is undoubtedly an excellent agent, but he lacks the opportunity to become famous.
From another perspective, choosing an excellent agent who does not have many stars can better expand your future.
So under the excited gaze of Bill Duffy, Chi Liang chose to agree.
According to the NBA commission income regulations, the broker can draw up to 4% of the player's contract income.
Big-name agents can get 3%-4%, while unknown agents usually only have about 2% in order to better grab players or new players. Sometimes, in order to grab new players, they even only get a 1% commission.
For example, Bill Duffy is very self-aware and only gets a commission of 2%. Chi Liang, who was rookie, had a very limited salary. Based on an annual salary of $600,000, Bill Duffy only earns $12,000 a year.
Of course, the salary of players is only a part of it. The real money-making place is to find endorsements and advertisements for players, and they can get about 20% of the commission.
In this regard, Bill Duffy still reduced a lot, only receiving a 15% commission.
There is no way, Chi Liang has proved his ability, and Duffy wants to win over Chi Liang and reduce the probability of being fired by Chi Liang in the future, so he consciously reduces the commission income.
"Duffy, I want to know about the plan for this season!" After signing, Duffy was considered his own person, so Chi Liang naturally did not hide it.
After a little thought, Duffy finally said: "I have watched all your games, and I find that your playing style is very dependent on the ball. There is no doubt that this is the core style, but do you think the team is willing to set you as the core? Maybe it's okay in the near future, but when Van Exel lifts the ban and returns, the ball will be divided."
Chi Liang is also very troubled about this problem. Even now, the Nuggets have no intention of placing him as the core.
After a long silence, Chi Liang continued to ask, "Do you think I should continue to stay in Denver?"
Chapter completed!