David Kahn Is Right

There are times when everyone has said something in the heat of frustation and anger. Typically, when given the opportunity to cool down and realize what was said, people try to pass off such statements as a joke, or to say that they didn't mean what was said. However, at these points in time, there is usually more truth spoken than anyone involved with the comments would want to realize. It's simply human nature. At such times, the walls are down, and the filter is off. After all, where wlse would the phrase 'the truth hurts' come from?

So, it is with this in mind that we look at the comments made by David Kahn in the aftermath of the NBA Draft Lottery. Kahn, after watching his league worst team miss out on getting the top pick to a Cleveland Cavaliers team that had just lost LeBron James, and was represented by owner Dan Gilbert's 14 year old son who suffers from Neurofibromatosis, said that the NBA 'has a habit, and I'm just going to say habit, of producing some pretty incredible story lines'.

Even before Kahn's statement, there have been rumors that the lottery is rigged. Just look to the very first NBA Draft Lottery, where the infamous 'Frozen Envelope' theory came about when the Knicks drafted Patrick Ewing in 1985. Last year, in another episode referenced by Kahn, the Washington Wizards sent Abe Polian's widow to represent them at the draft. Naturally, the Wizards got the first pick.

The NBA has a serious image problem that David Stern refuses to acknowledge. There is statistical evidence that shows that certain referees favor specific teams. There is evidence, albeit circumstantial, that shows that specific teams will advance in the playoffs or win games, as long as those teams just do not implode on themselves. There has already been one referee arrested and banned for fixing games. Despite claims that this was the work of one 'rogue official', who can say? How many others are there?

What kahn said in the moment has more truth to it than even he would care to recognize. If the general manager of one of the league's franchises is even suggesting that a fix may be in, how much does that damage the integrety of the NBA? At this point, the league cannot be considered anything more than the WWE with a ball.