Closing the page
I read a number of emails questioning the business operation of the NBA. Several letters must have been written by attorneys or someone in the legal profession, they stated in simple terms “The NBA cannot force Sterling to sale his team.” I’ve got news for them----they are wrong. The commissioner stately clearly at the beginning Donald Sterling had conducted himself in a manner that indicated a “violation of the NBA Charter.” I seriously doubt if any of the defenders have even seen the NBA Charter. They must believe the Clippers were operated in the same manner of Kraft Foods, Coca-Cola or Ford Motor Company.
I’ve got news for them and others it ain’t the same type of business operation. The NBA and any other sports organization cannot violate the law however don’t believe their business practices are typical. NBA owners don‘t operate their businesses in the same manner you probably believe. If you don’t agree with the manner the NBA conducted the Sterling’s issues you certainly are entitled to your opinion. To state the NBA can’t conduct business in the manner it chooses is not your call or mine. We can boycott the NBA in person on television or refuse to purchase NBA gear if that’s our desire that’s about all we can do.
The injury game
NBA fans have witnessed a number of injury or illness playoff games over the years, a few may possibly standout over others. In my opinion far too much media emphasis was paid to the LeBron heat cramp Game 1. The air-conditioning malfunctioned and it’s been repaired. This series is just beginning, the Heat still have plenty of opportunities to win the series. That was not the case for the 1989 Lakers who were attempting a 3-peat.
Shooting guard Byron Scott pulled his hamstring prior to Game 1 and was forced to miss the series. Point guard Magic Johnson would also suffer the same injury as Scott in Game 2, he managed to play 5 minutes in Game 3 but that was all he could handle. With both starters missing for the series the Lakers were forced to play reserves. The Pistons winning the first two games went on to sweep the Lakers 4-0. Hey media guys slow down a bit this series is far from over, besides the fact the “sky is not falling.”
The 1984 draft
It’s long been noted the 1984 NBA Draft was the greatest in NBA history. The draft would produce five future Hall of Fame players, Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, John Stockton and Oscar Schmidt. Brazil’s Schmidt never played in the NBA however his Hall of Fame admission provides us proof how good a player he was. There were a couple of other picks that could be considered noteworthy.
The 76ers drafted Leon Wood with the 10th pick, he didn’t turn out to be much of an NBA player, and he decided to change careers.
Wood would become an NBA official perhaps the first ever to move from a player to a referee. In the third round (the draft contained more rounds at that time) the Celtics drafted Rick Carlisle who also had an undistinguished NBA career. Carlisle changed careers to would become an assistant coach for a number of teams. Later he would become head coach for the Pistons and Pacers; he’s been the head coach for the Mavs since 2008. In the fourth round the Kansas City Kings drafted Carl Henry who also had an undistinguished NBA career. His son Xavier was the 10th pick in the 2010 draft and played last season for the Lakers.
“Well isn’t that special?
Anyone out there remember Dana Carvey as the Church Lady? He created this character for Saturday Night Live and the skit would last over the time period Carvey was a member of the cast. The Church Lady would ask tough questions of a guest and depending on the response would look into the television camera and state; “Well isn’t that special?” We could certainly use that line on Flip Saunders Wolves President of Basketball Operations. Saunders searched extensively in an effort to hire a replacement coach for Rick Adelman. Saunders located his coach, he hired himself! Saunders will assume Wolves coaching duties for the second time this upcoming season.
There is a cut-off point
Oprah Winfrey’s net worth is reported to be $2.9 billion dollars however even she has a limit on the amount she is willing to spend. Oprah was among the first in the number to bid on purchasing the Clippers. She was in the bidding process until the charge reached her cut-off point. Oprah claims she’s a basketball fan but admitted there might have problems attending owner meetings if she had won the bid. At the rate NBA franchises are going on the market Oprah will probably have another opportunity.
