Basketball from a fans perspective

That’s a considerable number of zero’s

We knew the Boston Celtics had been placed on the market, what totally shocked us was the announced price of the sale. Bill Chisholm, who co-founded an equity firm is reported to have paid $6.1 billion for the team, which is a record, this is the largest amount to date for the sale of any sports franchise in North America. This makes for a statement regarding the NBA, which is opinion only, you can take it or leave it. We continue to read and hear stories regarding the fact NBA television viewership is down. I have no basis for disputing anyone who reports this but I have a response, maybe a couple. Check this out, the new television deal which takes effect next season is astronomical.

It’s an 11-year contract reported to be $76 billion for the television partners of ESPN/ABC, NBC and Amazon. We have two record amounts, the sale of the Celtics and the television contract. Why in the world would those with deep, deep pockets be willing to lay down their money for a “losing product?” I’ve long believed this to be a fact, there are many who think the NBA is in competition with the NBA for fans. I refuse to subscribe to that theory, I happen to think there are casual NFL fans who are rabid NBA fans and vice-versa. In addition how can a weekend sport (NFL) compete with one that plays it’s games Sunday-Saturday? Besides that we are talking of a 16 game schedule (excluding the playoffs & Super Bowl) versus one that plays 82 games (excluding playoffs). I am not going to contend the NBA has no problems, just as any entity with human beings there are issues which must be resolved.

He was there till he wasn’t

Will Wade is the head coach at McNeese State/North Carolina State. You are aware McNeese is playing in the NCAA Tournament and the coach is leaving. For those who might believe I am critical of Wade, far from it, anyone who has an opportunity to better themselves should do just that. In this instance it’s the timing of the announcement. We always talk about loyalty to the school and the coach, it’s a two-way contract. The coach should have a degree of loyalty to players he most likely recruited.

He ain’t that smart…on the other hand

JJ Redick has always intrigued me, All American basketball player and Duke graduate. To show his intellect he was forced to reinvent himself once he arrived in the NBA. In college he was a starter and played major minutes, in the NBA he became a valued reserve player and 3-point specialist. Drafted by the Magic he struggled adapting to the NBA, at a one point some might have considered him a bust. It was in his 4th year Reddick transited into a valued 3-point specialist. Never playing starter minutes he honed his skills from three and became a respected asset to several NBA teams during the course of his career.

In 2021 Redick retired from the NBA as a member of the Mavs after a 15-year NBA career. He’d transitioned into a role in media prior to his retirement, the next major move was a surprise to almost everyone except Laker management. June 24, 2024, the Lakers hired Redick as their 29th head coach and many including this writer said loudly…what! The question revolved around the fact he’d never served as a head coach, truth is Redick had not even served as an assistant anywhere, college or the NBA. An NBA team must have talent on its roster, second to that a team must buy into the direction the head coach is targeting. What is a pending disaster, players who don’t agree with the leadership of their coach. It’s clear in my book Redick should receive a few votes for NBA Coach of the Year.

Meanwhile…

See, you thought it was just me who had a problem with Stephen A. Smith. “Yeah, Stephen A.” Durant said to the Athletic. “I’ve been in the league for 18 years, I’ve never seen Stephen A. at a practice or a film session, or a shoot-around. I’ve never seen him anywhere but on TV talking s----about players…He’s a clown to me. He’s always been a clown. You can write that down.” Which is exactly what the Athletic did for us to read.

The NAIA Men’s Basketball Tournament is somewhat ignored now but that has not always been the case. It’s now overshadowed by the glitz and glamour associated surrounding March Madness and promoted by CBS, ESPN and most sports media. Despite that bit of information 64 teams have journeyed to Kansas City MO to compete in the 87th Annual Men’s Basketball Tournament. It should be of note, NAIA membership also includes two Canadian Universities. Dates are March 20-25 for tournament action, ESPN may broadcast the championship game although that’s not confirmed yet.  

Their remains a question, will Gregg Popovich ever return and coach the Spurs again? After suffering what is described as a “minor stroke” the 76-year old coach has spent the major portion of the NBA season on the sidelines. There are extensive demands required to coach in the NBA…demands and pressure most of us probably don’t face daily. With that consideration plus health challenges it may be something Pop is unwilling to deal with especially with such a short coaching window remaining for him anyway. Some of you might be under the impression I am pushing Pop out the door…you can forget that thought. If he believes he is able to return to coaching on a daily basis so be it.