David Stern has struck yet again, further emasculating Hornets GM Dell Demps as he overvalues the worth of Chris Paul. This time, he has squashed a trade that would have sent Paul to the Clippers for Eric Gordon, Eric Bledsoe, Chris Kaman, Al-Faroq Aminu, and Minnesota’s 2012 first round pick. And you know what? The Clippers should be glad that he did.
The Clippers right now have one of the best cores of talent in the NBA. Think about that for a moment – the CLIPPERS, a perennial joke of a franchise that could have the basketball version of Major Leagues made about them, might be the best basketball team in Los Angeles. This is without Chris Paul; in fact, getting Paul would actually hurt the Clippers’ nucleus. Eric Gordon is one of the best young shooting guards in the game, and can flat out score. Kaman is a solid center that can do all the little things needed to win. Eric Bledsoe is a good young point guard, and will now get to learn from the recently acquired Chauncey Billips. Blake Griffin is an absolute beast; and paired with DeAndre Jordan, may give the Clippers one of the best front courts in the NBA. Add Ryan Gomes, the recently signed Caron Butler, and role players like Randy Foye and Mo Williams, and the Clippers have quietly become contenders.
Notice what name is missing from the list? Chris Paul. The Clippers don’t need him, and would be better off not gutting their team to acquire him. In fact, given the demands by Das NBA Fuhrer, Paul is destined to spend the season languishing on a terrible Hornets team, then will end up bolting in free agency. The Clippers could always make a move to sign him then, and grow even stronger.
The LA Clippers could be a contender for years to come if they stay patient and do not overreach for the flashy name. Who would have ever thought that the best team in Los Angeles for years to come may not be the Lakers?
Showing posts with label David Stern. Show all posts
Showing posts with label David Stern. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
David Stern Must Go
Mark December 8, 2011 as the date that the NBA officially lost it’s relevance in the professional sports world.
Not only did wanna-be mafia boss David Stern block a trade that he authorized the general manager of a team that is owned by the league to make, but he also has permitted a group of whining, petulant owners who have the forethought and reasoning skills of toddlers to determine league policy. The worst part in all of this is that the Hornets actually got the best end of the trade. Now, despite claiming that Chris Paul can still be traded, he has managed to emasculate his general manager on any and all future moves.
Yes, Chris Paul is the biggest name, but he is also the biggest risk. With the Lakers acquiring Paul, they would have based their foundation on Paul and his bad knee, Andrew Bynum’s immaturity, and Kobe Bryant’s two bad knees. Any front court depth would be eliminated. Any consistency from the low post in scoring would be eliminated. And what if Kobe did not want to share the spotlight with Chris Paul? This could have either been a great move for the Lakers, or a move that they would be regretting for years.
The Rockets, meanwhile, managed to get a player that is a top three center in Pau Gasol, and were closing in on signing Nene. Oh, and that three year plan they had where they acquired enough solid pieces to be able to make a move like this one? Well, that just got blown up. Now what are the Rockets to do? They specifically planned for this year, and when players of that caliber would become available. Now they’re destined to mediocrity for the foreseeable future.
The Hornets, meanwhile, managed to turn one petulant superstar into one of the better scoring shooting guards in the game with Kevin Martin, a good big man in Luis Scola, a proven forward who can play either the two or the three in Lamar Odom, a talented young point guard in Goran Dragic, and a first round draft pick. Not a bad haul considering that Paul was trying to dictate where he would end up.
Meanwhile, Dan Gilbert comes across as being a teenage girl. His affinity for the Comic Sans font aside, the e-mail he sent out read like a post ona fantasy league chat board complaining about the trade. His whining and overuse of punctuation made it feel like he posted his complaints on David Stern’s FaceBook wall. The only things that were missing were a couple of OMGs and a LMFAO. Seriously, who writes his e-mails, some emo teenaged brat? Pathetic.
Try to defend your decision all you want, David Stern. The truth is, the game has passed you by. Any authority and credibility you had is now irrevocably lost. Leave the game while you still have some dignity intact. What’s left of the NBA will be better for it.
Not only did wanna-be mafia boss David Stern block a trade that he authorized the general manager of a team that is owned by the league to make, but he also has permitted a group of whining, petulant owners who have the forethought and reasoning skills of toddlers to determine league policy. The worst part in all of this is that the Hornets actually got the best end of the trade. Now, despite claiming that Chris Paul can still be traded, he has managed to emasculate his general manager on any and all future moves.
Yes, Chris Paul is the biggest name, but he is also the biggest risk. With the Lakers acquiring Paul, they would have based their foundation on Paul and his bad knee, Andrew Bynum’s immaturity, and Kobe Bryant’s two bad knees. Any front court depth would be eliminated. Any consistency from the low post in scoring would be eliminated. And what if Kobe did not want to share the spotlight with Chris Paul? This could have either been a great move for the Lakers, or a move that they would be regretting for years.
The Rockets, meanwhile, managed to get a player that is a top three center in Pau Gasol, and were closing in on signing Nene. Oh, and that three year plan they had where they acquired enough solid pieces to be able to make a move like this one? Well, that just got blown up. Now what are the Rockets to do? They specifically planned for this year, and when players of that caliber would become available. Now they’re destined to mediocrity for the foreseeable future.
The Hornets, meanwhile, managed to turn one petulant superstar into one of the better scoring shooting guards in the game with Kevin Martin, a good big man in Luis Scola, a proven forward who can play either the two or the three in Lamar Odom, a talented young point guard in Goran Dragic, and a first round draft pick. Not a bad haul considering that Paul was trying to dictate where he would end up.
Meanwhile, Dan Gilbert comes across as being a teenage girl. His affinity for the Comic Sans font aside, the e-mail he sent out read like a post ona fantasy league chat board complaining about the trade. His whining and overuse of punctuation made it feel like he posted his complaints on David Stern’s FaceBook wall. The only things that were missing were a couple of OMGs and a LMFAO. Seriously, who writes his e-mails, some emo teenaged brat? Pathetic.
Try to defend your decision all you want, David Stern. The truth is, the game has passed you by. Any authority and credibility you had is now irrevocably lost. Leave the game while you still have some dignity intact. What’s left of the NBA will be better for it.
Monday, November 7, 2011
If A Tree Falls In The Forest......
So, if the NBA season is really cancelled, will anyone truly care?
Coming off of what has been referred to as one of the five greatest seasons in NBA history, David Stern and the owners have done everything that they can conceive off, aside from hiring the corpse of Jack Kevorkian, to kill their momentum. After a season where the NBA could build exponentially off of the various storylines and events, they have instead made a determination to tear it all asunder and leave themselves with nothing.
And for what end? Basically, they are trying to save themselves from….themselves. In no other league is there such blatant stupidity when it comes time to negotiate contracts. Role players and people that are buried on the bench routinely receive millions more than they are worth. It has been so bad, that the owners needed the ‘Allan Houston Clause’ as a one time Get Out of Jail Free card for contracts during the last CBA. This time, since they obviously learned fiscal responsibility from a drunk Kardashian sister, they want another ‘We’re a group of morons clause’ and a hard salary cap.
Naturally, the players want nothing to do with this, and who can blame them? If someone was to offer you eight times what you were worth, are you going to turn it down? And let’s say that you barely needed to do anything for the length of that contract. It’s a pretty sweet deal, right? While the person making you the offer may be a certifiable cretin, what would you care? You’re just cashing the checks.
In the end, the owner’s stupidity is going to be the death blow to the NBA. The present lack of credibility with the officiating, the arrogance of David Stern to recognize the problems that the game has, and terrible play have brought it to the edge. Cancelling the 2011-12 season will only alienate the few fans it has left, and bury the NBA to a spot below Major League Lacrosse, curling, and figure skating in the American sports conscientiousness.
So David Stern, enjoy your 1/5 full arenas. Enjoy the fact that your sport is essentially nothing more than professional wrestling with a ball. And enjoy the knowledge that maybe five people care that your sport is dying from self-inflicted wounds because you are too short sighted and stubborn to actually recognize the problems. Hopefully, there will be a nice funeral.
Coming off of what has been referred to as one of the five greatest seasons in NBA history, David Stern and the owners have done everything that they can conceive off, aside from hiring the corpse of Jack Kevorkian, to kill their momentum. After a season where the NBA could build exponentially off of the various storylines and events, they have instead made a determination to tear it all asunder and leave themselves with nothing.
And for what end? Basically, they are trying to save themselves from….themselves. In no other league is there such blatant stupidity when it comes time to negotiate contracts. Role players and people that are buried on the bench routinely receive millions more than they are worth. It has been so bad, that the owners needed the ‘Allan Houston Clause’ as a one time Get Out of Jail Free card for contracts during the last CBA. This time, since they obviously learned fiscal responsibility from a drunk Kardashian sister, they want another ‘We’re a group of morons clause’ and a hard salary cap.
Naturally, the players want nothing to do with this, and who can blame them? If someone was to offer you eight times what you were worth, are you going to turn it down? And let’s say that you barely needed to do anything for the length of that contract. It’s a pretty sweet deal, right? While the person making you the offer may be a certifiable cretin, what would you care? You’re just cashing the checks.
In the end, the owner’s stupidity is going to be the death blow to the NBA. The present lack of credibility with the officiating, the arrogance of David Stern to recognize the problems that the game has, and terrible play have brought it to the edge. Cancelling the 2011-12 season will only alienate the few fans it has left, and bury the NBA to a spot below Major League Lacrosse, curling, and figure skating in the American sports conscientiousness.
So David Stern, enjoy your 1/5 full arenas. Enjoy the fact that your sport is essentially nothing more than professional wrestling with a ball. And enjoy the knowledge that maybe five people care that your sport is dying from self-inflicted wounds because you are too short sighted and stubborn to actually recognize the problems. Hopefully, there will be a nice funeral.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
The NBA Lockout
This is going to make the NFL lockout seem like a minor disagreement.
On one side, there are the owners and David Stern. They are claiming that 22 of the 30 teams lost money over the past season, and are looking to institute a hard salary cap, as opposed to the soft cap they presently have. The hard cap number they are looking at? Somewhere in the $40Million to $60Million range. The owners also want a 60-40 split on revenue, with ownership getting the 60%. Presently, the players get 57%.
Naturally, the players want nothing to do with this proposal. They feel that it is likely that only 10 teams lost money during the previous season. Also, they feel that it is not their fault that incompetent management and short-sighted owners gave them the ridiculous contracts that they presently have (looking at you, Gilbert Arenas, Josh Childress, and Desagano Diop, amongst others). The players also refuse to accept a proposed splitting of the revenue that has them losing that much money.
In other words, they are not even close to an agreement.
Around the league, it is fully expected that the NBA will not play this season. Owners lose less money when they do not have to open up the arenas and by not fielding teams. David Stern has stated that once the lockout actually started, the offers by the NBA will be lowered, which is not exactly conducive to getting an agreement in place. Nor does this seem like a fair bargaining tactic, especially if the NBA truly wants there to be a 2011-12 season.
The NBA was riding the high of a season of goodwill and momentum, where they had the opportunity to be the primary focus for the winter months. Now, they have thrown that all away. With the distinct possibility that the NFL labor dispute will be wrapped up in short order, the NBA faces the distinct possibility of losing it's hold on the American public. The season being lost may initially be met with outrage from the fans, but will settle down to complete apathy, as the viewing public moves on to the NHL or watches the English Premier League.
So, who wins in all of this? The NHL. On the heels of a great Stanley Cup Finals, they find themselves on the verge of being the only daily American winter league. You know Gary Bettman wants the NBA to take it's ball and go home for the year. And it looks like Gary is about to get his wish.
On one side, there are the owners and David Stern. They are claiming that 22 of the 30 teams lost money over the past season, and are looking to institute a hard salary cap, as opposed to the soft cap they presently have. The hard cap number they are looking at? Somewhere in the $40Million to $60Million range. The owners also want a 60-40 split on revenue, with ownership getting the 60%. Presently, the players get 57%.
Naturally, the players want nothing to do with this proposal. They feel that it is likely that only 10 teams lost money during the previous season. Also, they feel that it is not their fault that incompetent management and short-sighted owners gave them the ridiculous contracts that they presently have (looking at you, Gilbert Arenas, Josh Childress, and Desagano Diop, amongst others). The players also refuse to accept a proposed splitting of the revenue that has them losing that much money.
In other words, they are not even close to an agreement.
Around the league, it is fully expected that the NBA will not play this season. Owners lose less money when they do not have to open up the arenas and by not fielding teams. David Stern has stated that once the lockout actually started, the offers by the NBA will be lowered, which is not exactly conducive to getting an agreement in place. Nor does this seem like a fair bargaining tactic, especially if the NBA truly wants there to be a 2011-12 season.
The NBA was riding the high of a season of goodwill and momentum, where they had the opportunity to be the primary focus for the winter months. Now, they have thrown that all away. With the distinct possibility that the NFL labor dispute will be wrapped up in short order, the NBA faces the distinct possibility of losing it's hold on the American public. The season being lost may initially be met with outrage from the fans, but will settle down to complete apathy, as the viewing public moves on to the NHL or watches the English Premier League.
So, who wins in all of this? The NHL. On the heels of a great Stanley Cup Finals, they find themselves on the verge of being the only daily American winter league. You know Gary Bettman wants the NBA to take it's ball and go home for the year. And it looks like Gary is about to get his wish.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
It's Back!
Like the horror movie villain that returns in every sequel, the WNBA has returned for it's fifteenth episode season. And like the horror movie franchise that has long since run it's course, virtually no one cares. For their pre-game festivities, they may as well have rolled a tumbleweed across half court.
Now, there may be people interested in what the WNBA has to offer. Of course, their audience is likely trying to find a cure for insomnia or would be looking for the most cost-effective way to torture prisoners now that waterboarding is passe. There is no truth to the rumor that North Korea is looking to gain a WNBA expansion franchise for that purpose.
Lost in the majesty of this benchmark is the actual truth. David Stern forces money into this league. In fact, this money would be better spent if he was to light it on fire or use it as toilet paper. Any time you have a league where half the original teams NO LONGER EXIST, where three teams have relocated, where teams have been forced to merge for financial stability, or where six teams overall have folded due to a lack of interest - the league is not viable. Take it off life support, pull the plug, and bring in a priest to give it Last Rites.
Maybe, at some point in time, there can be a viable professional women's sports league in this country. However, it is not the WNBA. Time to give it the shotgun like Ol' Yeller.
Now, there may be people interested in what the WNBA has to offer. Of course, their audience is likely trying to find a cure for insomnia or would be looking for the most cost-effective way to torture prisoners now that waterboarding is passe. There is no truth to the rumor that North Korea is looking to gain a WNBA expansion franchise for that purpose.
Lost in the majesty of this benchmark is the actual truth. David Stern forces money into this league. In fact, this money would be better spent if he was to light it on fire or use it as toilet paper. Any time you have a league where half the original teams NO LONGER EXIST, where three teams have relocated, where teams have been forced to merge for financial stability, or where six teams overall have folded due to a lack of interest - the league is not viable. Take it off life support, pull the plug, and bring in a priest to give it Last Rites.
Maybe, at some point in time, there can be a viable professional women's sports league in this country. However, it is not the WNBA. Time to give it the shotgun like Ol' Yeller.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
How To Fix The NBA
The NBA has a serious image problem, even if they refuse to admit it to themselves. There are questions about the officials. There are questions about whether or not personal agendas get in the way of the game. Interpretations of the rules change depending on which players are involved. And through it all, David Stern refuses to see an issue, being so deep in denial that he may as well be in Egypt.
Fixing the image problem that the NBA has would be relatively simple. Here are the five things that need to be done to bring the NBA back to what it once was:
1. Get rid of the lottery system for determining picks. The lottery was initially put in to keep teams from tanking their season in order to get the top pick in the draft. However, since the inception of the lottery system, there have been questions as to whether or not it is rigged. In fact, one of the league's own general managers, David Khan, recently suggested such a thing. While there is supposedly a system in place for the amount of ping pong balls each team has, it is a complex algebraic equation. For the sake of transparency, do what every other league does - the worst team gets the top pick. If the league is that concerned about teams tanking their season, fine teams that intentionally throw games, or bring in a relegation system, such as in the English Premier League. That will stop this from happening.
2. Make the referees accountable. Far too often, one can look at which referees are officiating a game, and find the likely outcome for that night. Certain referees have a personal agenda, which they bring to the court with them. For instance, who can forget Joey Crawford tossing Tim Duncan from a game because he was laughing on the bench? Create a committee designed to watch the referees, and make sure that the game is played with the actual players determining the outcome. On a related note....
3. Call the game the same way for all the players. What would be called a foul when committed by Steve Blake would not be on Kobe Bryant. Likewise, if Kobe drives the lane and someone sneezes near him, it is going to be called a foul. If Steve Blake gets hit going for a lay-up, not going to be called. The referees have a very loose interpretation as to what is a foul and what is not, and the determining factor is typically the name on the back of the jersey. Eliminate this by either fining or suspending referees that do not call the game equally. Should this be a recurring problem with certain referees, then fire them. The officials should know the rulebook, and call the game according to the actual rules, not by which ones they feel like enforcing at that particular moment.
4. Get rid of owners that are destroying their teams. Major League Baseball has a clause that allows the commissioner to take over another team, or block a trade, if it is in the best interests of baseball. This was recently used by Bud Selig when he took over the Los Angeles Dodgers, essentially forcing Frank McCourt to the curb. In the NBA, there are several owners who, through either gross imcompentance or a desire for financial gain, do nothing to improve their teams. Owners such as Donald Sterling, the Maloof brothers, and James Dolan should be forced to sell their teams to people that are interested in making them competitive, instead of pocketing a few extra dollars.
5. David Stern needs to resign as commissioner. This is the biggest one. Stern has, for years, run the NBA as though it is his personal fiefdom, where the owners and players ask for his blessing to say and do anything. There is a common belief that Stern determines who will win and lose in the playoffs, most notably the 2006 NBA Finals, where the Miami Heat were seemingly given their title over the Dallas Mavericks. He has a way of watching his league create storylines that rival those in professional wrestling. He is presiding over a league that is basically becoming a joke, and this is not what the NBA should be. Stern needs to go.
With those five changes, the NBA can once again be what it was back in it's golden age in the mid 1980's. All that is needed is for the league to admit that there is a problem. Unfortunately, this will never happen.
Fixing the image problem that the NBA has would be relatively simple. Here are the five things that need to be done to bring the NBA back to what it once was:
1. Get rid of the lottery system for determining picks. The lottery was initially put in to keep teams from tanking their season in order to get the top pick in the draft. However, since the inception of the lottery system, there have been questions as to whether or not it is rigged. In fact, one of the league's own general managers, David Khan, recently suggested such a thing. While there is supposedly a system in place for the amount of ping pong balls each team has, it is a complex algebraic equation. For the sake of transparency, do what every other league does - the worst team gets the top pick. If the league is that concerned about teams tanking their season, fine teams that intentionally throw games, or bring in a relegation system, such as in the English Premier League. That will stop this from happening.
2. Make the referees accountable. Far too often, one can look at which referees are officiating a game, and find the likely outcome for that night. Certain referees have a personal agenda, which they bring to the court with them. For instance, who can forget Joey Crawford tossing Tim Duncan from a game because he was laughing on the bench? Create a committee designed to watch the referees, and make sure that the game is played with the actual players determining the outcome. On a related note....
3. Call the game the same way for all the players. What would be called a foul when committed by Steve Blake would not be on Kobe Bryant. Likewise, if Kobe drives the lane and someone sneezes near him, it is going to be called a foul. If Steve Blake gets hit going for a lay-up, not going to be called. The referees have a very loose interpretation as to what is a foul and what is not, and the determining factor is typically the name on the back of the jersey. Eliminate this by either fining or suspending referees that do not call the game equally. Should this be a recurring problem with certain referees, then fire them. The officials should know the rulebook, and call the game according to the actual rules, not by which ones they feel like enforcing at that particular moment.
4. Get rid of owners that are destroying their teams. Major League Baseball has a clause that allows the commissioner to take over another team, or block a trade, if it is in the best interests of baseball. This was recently used by Bud Selig when he took over the Los Angeles Dodgers, essentially forcing Frank McCourt to the curb. In the NBA, there are several owners who, through either gross imcompentance or a desire for financial gain, do nothing to improve their teams. Owners such as Donald Sterling, the Maloof brothers, and James Dolan should be forced to sell their teams to people that are interested in making them competitive, instead of pocketing a few extra dollars.
5. David Stern needs to resign as commissioner. This is the biggest one. Stern has, for years, run the NBA as though it is his personal fiefdom, where the owners and players ask for his blessing to say and do anything. There is a common belief that Stern determines who will win and lose in the playoffs, most notably the 2006 NBA Finals, where the Miami Heat were seemingly given their title over the Dallas Mavericks. He has a way of watching his league create storylines that rival those in professional wrestling. He is presiding over a league that is basically becoming a joke, and this is not what the NBA should be. Stern needs to go.
With those five changes, the NBA can once again be what it was back in it's golden age in the mid 1980's. All that is needed is for the league to admit that there is a problem. Unfortunately, this will never happen.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sacramento's Stay of Execution
In Part Two of our tale, the champion of the fans of the Sacramento Kings, Kevin Johnson, has emerged victorious in his battle to keep the Kings in town, at least temporarily. In what David Stern described as a 'herculean effort', Johnson was able to gets sponsors to promise over $10million from area corporations, helping to keep the Kings in town. Johnson has also promised to do everything he can to get a new arena built for the Kings to play in.
Boss Stern, in his typically hypocritical way, stated that while Johnson did a great job, he 'pledged support for a move to another market'. Stern also went out of his way to praise the efforts that Anaheim has made to lure the Kings there, stating that this only furthers his belief that they will have an NBA franchise in the future (when Sacramento doesn't get the new stadium built).
The NBA, and the Maloofs, now have the Sword of Damocles hanging over Sacramento's head. Either plans for the new arena show signs of progress and are passed, or their beloved Kings move. Boss Stern has made his offer that you cannot refuse. Now the muscle is to be applied as they try to extort more from Sacramento.
So, who really wins here? At first glance, it would seem that Johnson and the fans won. However, that is not the case. They still need to find a viable location to build the new arena, get funding and planning passed by various governmental agencies, and then figure out how to pay for it. Chances are, a new tax will be put up to vote by the people of Sacramento for the privilege of building an arena that they will have to pay to enter.
No, the true victors here are the Maloof family. They are getting exactly what they want - a new stadium for the Kings either way. If they remain in Sacramento, that's fine. If they move to Anaheim, that is also fine. Nothing is coming out of their pockets, and they get to keep the Kings. It's a win-win scenario for them.
Watching this saga play out only makes me feel bad for the Kings' fans. They are a great fanbase who are rabid in their support of this team. They deserve better than threats and being forced into providing a new plaything for another spoiled billionaire.
Boss Stern, in his typically hypocritical way, stated that while Johnson did a great job, he 'pledged support for a move to another market'. Stern also went out of his way to praise the efforts that Anaheim has made to lure the Kings there, stating that this only furthers his belief that they will have an NBA franchise in the future (when Sacramento doesn't get the new stadium built).
The NBA, and the Maloofs, now have the Sword of Damocles hanging over Sacramento's head. Either plans for the new arena show signs of progress and are passed, or their beloved Kings move. Boss Stern has made his offer that you cannot refuse. Now the muscle is to be applied as they try to extort more from Sacramento.
So, who really wins here? At first glance, it would seem that Johnson and the fans won. However, that is not the case. They still need to find a viable location to build the new arena, get funding and planning passed by various governmental agencies, and then figure out how to pay for it. Chances are, a new tax will be put up to vote by the people of Sacramento for the privilege of building an arena that they will have to pay to enter.
No, the true victors here are the Maloof family. They are getting exactly what they want - a new stadium for the Kings either way. If they remain in Sacramento, that's fine. If they move to Anaheim, that is also fine. Nothing is coming out of their pockets, and they get to keep the Kings. It's a win-win scenario for them.
Watching this saga play out only makes me feel bad for the Kings' fans. They are a great fanbase who are rabid in their support of this team. They deserve better than threats and being forced into providing a new plaything for another spoiled billionaire.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Basketball's Vagabonds
The Sacramento Kings have been one of the most traveled franchises in the NBA. They began their existence in Rochester, New York, as the Rochester Royals in 1945. The Royals joined the NBA in 1948, as part of a merger between the BAA and NBL. During their time in Rochester, the Royals would win the only two championships in the team's history, the first in 1946 with Otto Graham of football fame, and the second in 1951. In 1957, they moved from Rochester to Cincinnati, where they kept the Royals name. From there, they moved to Kansas City in 1972, becoming the Kings, as the baseball Royals had already been established. Then, in 1985, the franchise finished it's migration west, moving to Sacramento.
Enter the Maloof's. They bought into the Kings franchise in 1998 as a minority partner, before purchasing a majority stake in 1999. Prior to this, their father owed the Houston Rockets, which they inherited upon his sudden death in 1980. They sold the Rockets in 1982, at a time when the NBA was struggling financially, and there were questions regarding the solvency of the league. This was a move they had regretted since.
Now, the elder Maloof had money, which was passed down to his children. In addition to the Kings, the Maloofs also built a billion dollar hotel/casino at the Palms in Las Vegas. Shortly after this occurred, the economy crashed and the real estate bubble burst. As such, they have serious cash flow problems presently. The Maloofs folded their WNBA team (a wise move, since that league is nothing more than a financial sinkhole) and sold their family's liquor distributor. They also have a seriously large amount of debt with their casino, which is being purchased by Harrah's for a possible takeover.
This puts them in a bad spot, where they have to either sell the Kings or sell the casino/hotel. In typical spoiled rich kid fashion, they refuse to do either. Instead, they are threatening to move the Kings yet again, this time to Anaheim. What is lost in all of this is that Sacramento loaned the Kings $77 million, which they have yet to pay back, and that the Maloofs are trying to get Anaheim to pay for the franchise relocation fee.
The reason why they claim that they need to move is because they feel that the Kings cannot be profitable in Sacramento. They want to move to a bigger market with a new arena. However, there are two teams presently in the playoffs that play in a small market with an average arena - Portland and Oklahoma City. While the Thunder did move from Seattle, Oklahoma City is not a bigger market. Both teams drafted well, made smart trades, and built around a talented core of youngsters. The Kings gave Chris Webber, and his tenuous health, a large contract, and have been mediocre at best since. There is a blueprint for winning in small markets, as long as the front office and ownership are savvy enough to follow it.
Enter the potential hero. Kevin Johnson, the former NBA shooting guard, happens to be the mayor of Sacramento. Johnson realizes how much the Kings mean to the city, the fans, and other businesses. In order to try to prevent their move, he has lined up sponsors that have pledged over $10 million for next season. He has promised to do everything he can to get the Kings a new arena. And he has located investors to purchase the Kings and keep them in Sacramento. Meanwhile, the NBA has pretty much yawned at this effort.
Now, enter David Stern. Speculation is that Stern, in his mafia boss like way, is looking to take over the Kings, much as the NBA has with the Hornets. This is not being done for any love of the fans in Sacramento, but rather as an extra bargaining chip for the inevitable lockout. The prevailing thought is that he will threaten to contract both the Kings and Hornets to force the player's association into agreeing to his terms. If they refuse, good bye teams. David Stern doesn't care about the fans or the players, David Stern cares about David Stern getting his own way.
To further the NBA monkey wrench, teams that want to move have their possible relocation looked at by a committee, which must then approve the move. The head of the relocation committee? None other than Clay Bennett, who stole the SuperSonics from Seattle. As if he'll stop anyone from moving their team.
In short, fans of the Kings in Sacramento are screwed. The best case scenario is that Kevin Johnson comes in on his white horse and saves the day. It's too bad that the odds are stacked against him.
Enter the Maloof's. They bought into the Kings franchise in 1998 as a minority partner, before purchasing a majority stake in 1999. Prior to this, their father owed the Houston Rockets, which they inherited upon his sudden death in 1980. They sold the Rockets in 1982, at a time when the NBA was struggling financially, and there were questions regarding the solvency of the league. This was a move they had regretted since.
Now, the elder Maloof had money, which was passed down to his children. In addition to the Kings, the Maloofs also built a billion dollar hotel/casino at the Palms in Las Vegas. Shortly after this occurred, the economy crashed and the real estate bubble burst. As such, they have serious cash flow problems presently. The Maloofs folded their WNBA team (a wise move, since that league is nothing more than a financial sinkhole) and sold their family's liquor distributor. They also have a seriously large amount of debt with their casino, which is being purchased by Harrah's for a possible takeover.
This puts them in a bad spot, where they have to either sell the Kings or sell the casino/hotel. In typical spoiled rich kid fashion, they refuse to do either. Instead, they are threatening to move the Kings yet again, this time to Anaheim. What is lost in all of this is that Sacramento loaned the Kings $77 million, which they have yet to pay back, and that the Maloofs are trying to get Anaheim to pay for the franchise relocation fee.
The reason why they claim that they need to move is because they feel that the Kings cannot be profitable in Sacramento. They want to move to a bigger market with a new arena. However, there are two teams presently in the playoffs that play in a small market with an average arena - Portland and Oklahoma City. While the Thunder did move from Seattle, Oklahoma City is not a bigger market. Both teams drafted well, made smart trades, and built around a talented core of youngsters. The Kings gave Chris Webber, and his tenuous health, a large contract, and have been mediocre at best since. There is a blueprint for winning in small markets, as long as the front office and ownership are savvy enough to follow it.
Enter the potential hero. Kevin Johnson, the former NBA shooting guard, happens to be the mayor of Sacramento. Johnson realizes how much the Kings mean to the city, the fans, and other businesses. In order to try to prevent their move, he has lined up sponsors that have pledged over $10 million for next season. He has promised to do everything he can to get the Kings a new arena. And he has located investors to purchase the Kings and keep them in Sacramento. Meanwhile, the NBA has pretty much yawned at this effort.
Now, enter David Stern. Speculation is that Stern, in his mafia boss like way, is looking to take over the Kings, much as the NBA has with the Hornets. This is not being done for any love of the fans in Sacramento, but rather as an extra bargaining chip for the inevitable lockout. The prevailing thought is that he will threaten to contract both the Kings and Hornets to force the player's association into agreeing to his terms. If they refuse, good bye teams. David Stern doesn't care about the fans or the players, David Stern cares about David Stern getting his own way.
To further the NBA monkey wrench, teams that want to move have their possible relocation looked at by a committee, which must then approve the move. The head of the relocation committee? None other than Clay Bennett, who stole the SuperSonics from Seattle. As if he'll stop anyone from moving their team.
In short, fans of the Kings in Sacramento are screwed. The best case scenario is that Kevin Johnson comes in on his white horse and saves the day. It's too bad that the odds are stacked against him.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Mavs Lose Tonight - Take It To The Bank
Furthering the perception that the NBA is as scripted as the WWE, certain officials seem to have a direct impact on the games they are assigned to. When a home team is in danger of losing a playoff series that the league would benefit from by have the series continue, certain referees work those games. Certain referees work games based on what team winning would benefit the league. And, of course, there is the entire Tim Donaghy scandal, where David Stern still maintains that he was the only one betting on games, and that he was a 'rogue official'.
Despite Boss Stern claiming that he does not run the league as though he is a Mafia boss and that the games are not fixed, there are some disturbing trends with teams and officials. For a prime example, there is tonight's playoff matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Portland Trailblazers. The officiating crew is headed by Danny Crawford, an official that has adversely affected the Mavs whenever he is involved in one of their playoff games. With Crawford as an official in playoff games, the Mavs are 2-16, 4-14 against the spread. Without Crawford, the Mavs are 48-41 in the playoffs. The Mavs have been called for roughly 2.5 more fouls per game than their opponents, and have averaged 6.8 fewer free throws per game as well.
In fact, Crawford was the lead official in games 3 and 6 of the 2006 NBA Finals, where it is universally believed that the NBA gave the title to the Miami Heat. After falling behind 2-0 in that series, the Heat had a free throw advantage of 71 to 49.
Crawford being assigned to this games comes directly after the Portland Trailblazers coach, Nate McMillan, questioned how the Mavs had a 19 to 2 free throw advantage during the fourth quarter of game one. Well Nate, you won't have to worry about the Mavs having any advantage there tonight. Crawford being in Dallas pretty much assures that the series will be tied at one game each when the series shifts to Portland.
If gambling was legal, put your money on Portland. It would be a major upset if the Mavs won tonight, since they will be playing five on eight.
Despite Boss Stern claiming that he does not run the league as though he is a Mafia boss and that the games are not fixed, there are some disturbing trends with teams and officials. For a prime example, there is tonight's playoff matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Portland Trailblazers. The officiating crew is headed by Danny Crawford, an official that has adversely affected the Mavs whenever he is involved in one of their playoff games. With Crawford as an official in playoff games, the Mavs are 2-16, 4-14 against the spread. Without Crawford, the Mavs are 48-41 in the playoffs. The Mavs have been called for roughly 2.5 more fouls per game than their opponents, and have averaged 6.8 fewer free throws per game as well.
In fact, Crawford was the lead official in games 3 and 6 of the 2006 NBA Finals, where it is universally believed that the NBA gave the title to the Miami Heat. After falling behind 2-0 in that series, the Heat had a free throw advantage of 71 to 49.
Crawford being assigned to this games comes directly after the Portland Trailblazers coach, Nate McMillan, questioned how the Mavs had a 19 to 2 free throw advantage during the fourth quarter of game one. Well Nate, you won't have to worry about the Mavs having any advantage there tonight. Crawford being in Dallas pretty much assures that the series will be tied at one game each when the series shifts to Portland.
If gambling was legal, put your money on Portland. It would be a major upset if the Mavs won tonight, since they will be playing five on eight.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Donald Sterling Is A Joke
Donald Sterling is a man with a very checkered past. In 2005, he was ordered to pay $5 million in a lawsuit that accused him of trying to drive out black and Latino tenants from apartments that he owned in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. He was sued in 2006 by former Clippers executive Elgin Baylor for employment discrimination based on age and race, a lawsuit that alledges that Sterling told him to build a team of "poor black boys from the South and a white head coach." In 2009, the United States Department of Justice sued him for housing discrimination in using race as a factor in filling some of his apartment buildings. He has been sued multiple times for sexual harassment. He purchased a plot of land in the eastern end of downtown Los Angeles in 2006 with the promise to build a homeless shelter, which he has yet to begin to develop, leading many to believe he purchased this land to realize a profit.
As owner of the Clippers, he has been equally despicable. There is the lawsuit with Elgin Baylor, who Sterling admitted that he had no idea of Baylor's basketball accomplishments at any point in time. The man owns an NBA franchise, and did not know Elgin Baylor's place in basketball history? He refused to pay for assistant coach Kim Hughes' surgery for prostate cancer, leaving four Clippers players (Corey Maggette, Elton Brand, Marko Jaric, and Chris Kaman) to pick up the $70,000 tab that Hughes would have owed. Even though this surgery was required to save Hughes' life, Sterling refused to pay for it, feeling that it would set a 'dangerous example' and that others would feel that he would pay for their medical treatments. What a disgrace.
Sterling has steadfastly refused to spend money on his coaches or his scouting department, which is actually a position that the NBA wanna-be mafia boss David Stern approves of. Not coincidentally, since Sterling purchased the Clippers in 1981, they have had a total of two winning seasons. He refuses to surround himself with knowledgeable basketball minds, although some of that may be due to the fact that they will not work for him, given his history.
Don David has no problems going after Mark Cuban and other people in his private fiefdom for doing such things as criticizing the referees, wearing their headbands inside out, or other completely innocent things. Yet, he refuses to admonish Sterling for anything, including the multiple discrimination scandals. Why is this? Why does he refuse to force this bigoted, penny pinching, morally bankrupt piece of human garbage to sell his team? One would think that if any other owner was involved, or allegedly involved, in even one iota of the controversy that Sterling has been that he would be at that owner's doorstep with members of a 'persuation squad' to make them an 'offer they cannot refuse'. Why the double standard?
Clippers fans, all three of them now, deserve better than this. When Sterling no longer owns the Clippers, the NBA will be a better place.
As owner of the Clippers, he has been equally despicable. There is the lawsuit with Elgin Baylor, who Sterling admitted that he had no idea of Baylor's basketball accomplishments at any point in time. The man owns an NBA franchise, and did not know Elgin Baylor's place in basketball history? He refused to pay for assistant coach Kim Hughes' surgery for prostate cancer, leaving four Clippers players (Corey Maggette, Elton Brand, Marko Jaric, and Chris Kaman) to pick up the $70,000 tab that Hughes would have owed. Even though this surgery was required to save Hughes' life, Sterling refused to pay for it, feeling that it would set a 'dangerous example' and that others would feel that he would pay for their medical treatments. What a disgrace.
Sterling has steadfastly refused to spend money on his coaches or his scouting department, which is actually a position that the NBA wanna-be mafia boss David Stern approves of. Not coincidentally, since Sterling purchased the Clippers in 1981, they have had a total of two winning seasons. He refuses to surround himself with knowledgeable basketball minds, although some of that may be due to the fact that they will not work for him, given his history.
Don David has no problems going after Mark Cuban and other people in his private fiefdom for doing such things as criticizing the referees, wearing their headbands inside out, or other completely innocent things. Yet, he refuses to admonish Sterling for anything, including the multiple discrimination scandals. Why is this? Why does he refuse to force this bigoted, penny pinching, morally bankrupt piece of human garbage to sell his team? One would think that if any other owner was involved, or allegedly involved, in even one iota of the controversy that Sterling has been that he would be at that owner's doorstep with members of a 'persuation squad' to make them an 'offer they cannot refuse'. Why the double standard?
Clippers fans, all three of them now, deserve better than this. When Sterling no longer owns the Clippers, the NBA will be a better place.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
When Failed Experiments Refuse To Die
Fifteen years ago, the NBA created the experiment known as the WNBA. Despite the continual advertisements, the inane 'We Got Next' promotions, and David Stern trying to ram it down our collective throats, no one cared. Fast forward fifteen years, and still, no one cares. In fact, the WNBA rates behind women's college basketball in terms of popularity.
Women's professional sports league, as a whole, do not do well in America. Does anyone remember the Women's United Soccer Association? This league came into existence based off of the popularity of women's soccer after the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. Of course, most of that popularity was probably a direct result of Brandi Chastain removing her shirt after celebrating a goal, but the league founders did not realize that. Predictably, the WUSA folded after three years.
Despite the David Stern and the NBA claiming that they are losing money, they continue to funnel cash into this league. NBA teams are forced to 'affiliate' with WNBA teams in their region, and to help support them. Meanwhile, since the league began fifteen years ago, six teams have folded. Three have relocated. And yet, the NBA continues to try to expand the league, increasing the number of financial sinkholes from eight to the present twelve. In fact, of the original eight teams, only four remain. Not exactly a statistic that screams that this is a viable league.
Yet, the league stumbles forward like some horror movie villain that refuses to die. Now in their fifteenth year of existence (or the equivalent of Friday the 13th part 15, with Jason Voorhees attempting to hypnotize the masses into watching the exercise in pure tedium that is being broadcast), the WNBA has announced plans to commemorate this milestone. The top fifteen players in WNBA history will be announced, as will the top fifteen moments in league history. Expect a lot of boredom in that 'highlight' reel. Chances are, the medical profession will be prescribing it as a cure for insomnia. Also, they are planning on holding speciality themed events (like playing the games), fan promotions, interactive events, and presentations to long time season ticket holders (all four of you) throughout the season.
Supporters of the WNBA will claim that this is basketball at it's purest, where fundamentals matter. They will claim that this is a league where being properly coached, having solid teamwork, and knowing your role on the team matter. What they fail to realize is that the games are as exciting as watching paint dry. As completely terrible and unwatchable as the games in the NBA presently are, at least there are moments of excitement. In the WNBA, the most exciting play is the properly executed bounce pass. These Clydesdales with a ball should be put to pasture.
So, be prepared for the onslaught of advertisements proclaiming this monumental occasion. The best way to prepare is make certain that the batteries in your remote control are fresh, otherwise you might accidentally have to endure parts of the game.
Women's professional sports league, as a whole, do not do well in America. Does anyone remember the Women's United Soccer Association? This league came into existence based off of the popularity of women's soccer after the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. Of course, most of that popularity was probably a direct result of Brandi Chastain removing her shirt after celebrating a goal, but the league founders did not realize that. Predictably, the WUSA folded after three years.
Despite the David Stern and the NBA claiming that they are losing money, they continue to funnel cash into this league. NBA teams are forced to 'affiliate' with WNBA teams in their region, and to help support them. Meanwhile, since the league began fifteen years ago, six teams have folded. Three have relocated. And yet, the NBA continues to try to expand the league, increasing the number of financial sinkholes from eight to the present twelve. In fact, of the original eight teams, only four remain. Not exactly a statistic that screams that this is a viable league.
Yet, the league stumbles forward like some horror movie villain that refuses to die. Now in their fifteenth year of existence (or the equivalent of Friday the 13th part 15, with Jason Voorhees attempting to hypnotize the masses into watching the exercise in pure tedium that is being broadcast), the WNBA has announced plans to commemorate this milestone. The top fifteen players in WNBA history will be announced, as will the top fifteen moments in league history. Expect a lot of boredom in that 'highlight' reel. Chances are, the medical profession will be prescribing it as a cure for insomnia. Also, they are planning on holding speciality themed events (like playing the games), fan promotions, interactive events, and presentations to long time season ticket holders (all four of you) throughout the season.
Supporters of the WNBA will claim that this is basketball at it's purest, where fundamentals matter. They will claim that this is a league where being properly coached, having solid teamwork, and knowing your role on the team matter. What they fail to realize is that the games are as exciting as watching paint dry. As completely terrible and unwatchable as the games in the NBA presently are, at least there are moments of excitement. In the WNBA, the most exciting play is the properly executed bounce pass. These Clydesdales with a ball should be put to pasture.
So, be prepared for the onslaught of advertisements proclaiming this monumental occasion. The best way to prepare is make certain that the batteries in your remote control are fresh, otherwise you might accidentally have to endure parts of the game.
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