tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

David Stern Where Are You??

Let me first start out by saying that I am not a big NBA fan.  It wasn't always that way.  When I think back the 69-70 NY Knick team turned me on to the NBA.  And but for the Larry Bird Celtics, I guess I would have to consider myself a Knick fan.  The last time I was really in to it was the Patrick Ewing Knicks and who can forget that ill-fated finals against the Rockets.  With the acquisition of Carmelo Anthony, my interest has been rekindled and I actually watched a little over a quarter of last night's game against the Bucks.

While I can see myself being drawn back to following again, a talk show on a radio station out of Toronto got me thinking about what's going on with the NBA.  Think about it.  We are slowly seeing the beginning of the creation of 5 or 6 super teams: Boston, Los Angeles, NY Knicks, Miami and with yesterday's trade possibly New Jersey.  As I said I don't know a lot about the NBA but a lot is being made of the Nets acquiring Deron Williams.  Anyhow, what about the rest of the league??

I watch Sportstime Ohio and does anyone give a damn about the fans of the Cavaliers??  This team had the best record in basketball last year.  This year: sets the record for most losses of any professional sports team!!  What about the Raptors???  Will any star look to go to Toronto???  What about Denver now???  And what will happen to Orlando and New Orleans when Dwight Howard and Chris Paul force their way off of their current teams???

Apparently, David Stern could give a damn less.  Let's take Cleveland for example.  This year, season tickets were purchased with the expectation that Lebron would be playing.  Will anyone be shocked to see season ticket sales plummet for the 2011-12 season???  As many in Cleveland have said, it will take at least 5 years before the Cavs are competitive again.

There is talk that the NBA is headed for a lock out.  Something has to give because the league is in serious trouble.  Super teams are great for television and promotions.  But what is going to happen in the lesser team arenas.  Places, like Indiana, Sacramento, Charlotte.  Stern's lack of leadership on this issue is disturbing.  Of course I'm sure he loves the fact that the Knicks are back to being a franchise that matters.  Great for TV and promotions.  But David Stern should be looking out for all of the franchises and it is clear that he is not.

Unless the Memphis and Cleveland's of the world ban together, contraction may be what ultimately happens.  There is a need for some leadership out of the Commissioner's office.  Has anyone seen David Stern????