AP Photo
Among the pillars of the agreement that ended the NBA's five-month lockout in December were provisions to promote competitive balance and to end the practice of large-market teams pirating stars from smaller-market clubs. Those principles were tested immediately when, on the very day the contract was to be ratified, irate owners badgered Commissioner David Stern to void the proposed trade of Chris Paul from the league-owned Hornets to the powerful Lakers.
Though Stern's bizarre decision - citing "basketball reasons" - to strike down the deal caused an uproar, we just saw evidence for Stern's edict: Can you imagine Paul in the same backcourt with Kobe Bryant? That sure isn't competitive balance.
Paul instead was shipped to the Lakers' co-tenant at Staples Center. ...
On the day before the Heat start again, the Thursday before they roll out basketballs in practice as champions, here was their coach showing everyone how to approach this new world. Erik Spoelstra had been sitting at a table... more »
Dwyane Wade sat for questions first at the Heat’s annual media-day sessions Friday, the fruits of respect and seniority, and near the end a disembodied voice instructed reporters, “Last question.”It was LeBron James... more »
The Boston Celtics spent last week in enemy territory, daring to venture into Los Angeles to spend some time together. They scrimmaged at UCLA, ate lunch at Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles and hung out at the homes of Paul Pierce... more »
NBA teams playing preseason games overseas open training camp Friday. Everyone else begins early next week.And just like every October, each team has pressing issues that need addressed by the time the season tips off Oct.... more »
Email
Print
Share