David Stern Steps Down as NBA Commissioner

Tomorrow, NBA Commissioner David Stern's 30 year reign as league commissioner will come to an end. Currently, the the NBA is second only to the NFL in television ratings. Basketball is the second most popular sport in the world after soccer. NBA players are the highest paid athletes in the world. None of this could be said prior to February 1, 1984, Stern's first day on the job.

YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY

Shortly before Stern's tenure as commissioner began, NBA Finals games were often on tape delay, not live, airing as late as 11:30 pm in some markets. Not all conference finals games were nationally televised. Some first round games were not aired at all.

The NBA suffered from an image tarnished by rapid drug use, particularly cocaine, in the 1970s. Television revenues were a pittance compared to the NFL and Major League Baseball. The NBA was circling the drain prior to 1984. It was in danger of becoming a niche sport in a contracting league.

With some innovation and a little luck in the form of some of the most marketable superstars in American sports history entering the league, Stern rapidly led the transformation of the league's image and fortunes. By the 1990s, NBA superstars were among the most recognizable in the world. The NBA was an A-list league rivaling the NFL and MLB. Multiple games were nationally televised every week. The NBA Finals were a ratings bonanza. Basketball had become a truly international sport.

Stern and the media could sometimes be like oil and water. 1

LOVE HIM OR HATE HIM

Words like "warm" and "cuddly" will not be used when recalling Stern's legacy as commissioner. He was often brash, smug, and obnoxious in dealing with players, the media, and owners. Like all leaders, he often made decisions that ruffled some feathers.

Whether or not you like David Stern the person, if you enjoy the NBA today, his contribution in growing the game into an American entertainment powerhouse is undeniable. Players, coaches, and owners have reaped more lucrative financial rewards from Stern's vision than ever imaginable in the mid-1980s. Simply put, everyone invested in the NBA, directly or indirectly, is better off because of Stern's efforts as Commissioner.

Stern will be replaced by Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver tomorrow. Like every sports league commissioner, I expect that Silver will continue to try to grow the league and make it even better than it is today. Stern started his run as Commissioner with his feet in quicksand. Silver has one hell of a running start.

Replacing Stern is a tall order, but the much taller Silver could probably take him in one-on-one. 2

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1) Image from www.oregonlive.com
2) Image from http://espn.go.com

Retweet of the Day - June 28, 2013

The 2013 NBA Draft had a number of memorable moments. Several players rose or fell far above or below their expected draft positions. A number of power moving trades took place. But the man who owned the night, in my opinion, was outgoing NBA Commissioner David Stern.

Stern, whose 29 year tenure as Commissioner comes to an end this year, was booed profusely with each trip he made to the podium to announce the next pick. Stern had no problem wearing the black hat and embracing the villain's role. At one point, Stern encouraged the crowd to step the boos up a little louder.

I wouldn't want to have a beer with David Stern and he can come across as very aloof and unlikeable. But my biggest concern is that when I buy tickets to an NBA game, watch a game on television, or (especially) follow the NBA playoffs, I want a good show. And I've gotten that every year.

LOVE HIM OR HATE HIM....

Before Stern's tenure, the NBA Finals were on tape delay. There was very little national television coverage during the regular season. The league was not popular. Hard drug usage and player conduct problems were rampant throughout the league. Stern marketed the league beyond what anyone could have imagined in 1984. The game has a true global reach, dare I argue more than the 800 pound gorilla of American professional sports, the NFL.

Collectively, the players are of the highest character, image, and reputation compared to any of the other three major sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NHL); in contrast, there have been over 30 arrests of NFL players since Super Bowl XLVII. Infinite game watching options are available. The league's TV ratings during the playoffs are at or near the top of the charts every night. During the Finals, the NBA touches more (live) viewers than at any other television event other than the Super Bowl.

Dislike Stern all you want, but he's done a hell of a job. The NBA is the success it is today in large part because of his leadership over the last three decades. He has steered the ship to the sports promised land.

THE OLD FOXTROT YANKEE

Today's retweet, from DZ (‏@CommonManDZ), illustrates the prickly relationship Commissioner Stern has had with NBA stakeholders, including the public, over the years in light of last night's not-so-warm reception of Stern at the Draft.

"At this point, I expect David Stern to award Kevin Durant to the Miami Heat, give the crowd the finger, drop the mic, and exit stage left."

Stern saying, "I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!" to a booing crowd at last night's NBA Draft. I bet he ever so gently extended his middle finger.

Image from www.sbnation.com

Not So Stern Discipline

Metta World Peace of the Los Angeles Lakers was suspended for seven games for elbowing James Harden of the Oklahoma City Thunder on an inbounds play following a dunk by World Peace. The elbow was clearly intentional. Harden suffered a concussion.

Midwest Sports Fans put together a list of all fourteen suspensions that World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) has served in his career, including this one. This is the third time World Peace has been suspended for seven or more games. According to ESPN.com, World Peace will lose nearly $350,000 in salary from the suspension.

                                  

This "before and after" is ridiculous! 1 (left), 2(right)

HE GOT OFF EASY

Due to the vicious nature of the blow to Harden, and World Peace’s track record, many in sports media speculated that a suspension for the remainder of the season was not off the table. Most who ventured to guess expected World Peace to receive a suspension of at least 10 games, myself included.

Still, for all of World Peace’s antics, he likely got a break from NBA Commissioner David Stern (if one calls missing up to six playoff games and the loss of 350 grand a “break”) because of his relatively good behavior following the infamous “Malice at the Palace” brawl at Detroit in 2004, for which Artest was suspended for a total of 86 games. Of the 14 suspensions chronicled by Midwest Sports Fans in World Peace’s 13 NBA seasons, only three of them, prior to Sunday’s elbowing incident, were handed down to World Peace since the 2004 incident.

I am sure Stern was thrilled to see World Peace's name come across his desk again. 3

CURRENCY IN THE BANK

Since the fight in Detroit, World Peace has been an advocate for animal rights and mental health issues. He has put his money where his mouth is, donating considerable amounts of money and property, including his 2010 championship ring, to worthy causes. Last year, Artest received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for outstanding service and dedication to the community by an NBA player, coach, or trainer. Past recipients include Hall of Fame players Magic Johnson, David Robinson, and Joe Dumars.

In the end, I can only guess that David Stern looked at Metta World Peace’s track record, decided that he made a genuine effort to mend his ways over a long period of time, and simply snapped. Similar offenders are suspended for a game or two. While World Peace’s suspension is considerably longer, it was far from a worst case scenario.

World Peace built up a lot of currency. He has now spent it. For his sake, I hope there is no “next time”.


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The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

1) Image from www.eurweb.com

2) Image from www.huffingtonpost.com

3) Image from http://sports.espn.go.com

The United States of David Stern

He is the President; he is the Emperor; he is the King. Since becoming National Basketball Association commissioner in 1984, David Stern has run the NBA his way. Stern has ruled with an iron fist wrapped in silk, for public appearances.

Most fans probably do not care. The league has grown in popularity, exponentially, during Stern’s 28 seasons of leadership. He has been a marketing task master. Revenue has grown. Star power is enormous. Frankly, the product on the court is pretty damn good.

It's good to be king. 1

WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

Stern works for the league owners, and he has made the league owners a lot of money over the years. With continued long term success, Stern has gained entrenchment among the owners and increasing power in running the league. I would argue that Stern’s power is almost unilateral today.

The drawback to this continued success and increased power is that there is potential for abuse. Stern has drawn controversy from decisions he has made in the past, from an imposed dress code to minimum age requirements to enter the league. Regardless, a sound argument could be made for his decisions being in the best interests of the NBA as a whole.

Yesterday, the general managers of the Lakers, Hornets, and Rockets worked out a deal that would have sent Hornets All-Star guard Chris Paul (who can become a free agent after this season) to the Los Angeles Lakers, and Lakers big man Pau Gasol to the Houston Rockets. The Hornets would receive Lamar Odom of the Lakers, and Kevin Martin and Luis Scola of the Rockets, in addition to a first round draft pick.

Stern to CP3 and Kobe: "Oh NO. YOU. WON'T!" 4

STERN DISAPPROVAL!

It sounds fair, right? Everyone is happy, right? WRONG!

Spearheaded, reportedly, by smaller market franchise owners, including Dan Gilbert of the Cleveland Cavaliers, David Stern vetoed the trade on behalf of the Hornets. The Hornets are currently owned by the NBA, seeking a new owner after a sale fell through last year, due in part, to uncertainty over the league’s labor situation. Stern cited, “basketball reasons” for the decision.

Since nobody with an I.Q. greater than a pineapple, not associated with the NBA, believes the deal was unfair to the Hornets (in fact the deal, under the circumstances, was SPECTACULAR for the Bees), there are clearly other motives in voiding the deal. When LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined forces with Dwayne Wade in Miami in 2010, concern was expressed among members of the media, general managers, and owners, about players having too much power…too much leverage. The same reaction happened when Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets, dictated to the Nuggets that he would play for the New York Knicks. Star players were determined to play for high profile franchises in big cities.

The tail was wagging the dog. Players were choosing where they would play, in spite of the rules in place, intended to help teams retain their stars. The owners intended to mitigate this situation with the new collective bargaining agreement, ratified just hours before the trade was vetoed.

Don't ditch your Creole Blue and gold, yet, CP3. 3

STERN LAST WORDS

Perhaps the new rules did not provide the desired end result for Stern and some of the other small market owners. In this case, the star in question, trying to move, played for a team ultimately controlled by Stern. Stern acted in his own best interests, which were to appease smaller market owners, outraged by another superstar dictating his trade destination, a big market destination.

What Stern did not do is act in the best interests of the Hornets, as he is charged. Should Paul leave the Hornets after this season (or choose not to play this season) and the Hornets receive no compensation (such as a perennial All-Star, a top scorer, a solid sixth man, and a first round pick), the Hornets will be effectively bankrupt of player assets. Whatever Stern’s “basketball reasons” were for voiding the trade, they clearly had nothing to do with playing a game of basketball.

The NBA is BACK!!! 2

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1) Image from www.streetball.com
2) Image from http://www.terezowens.com/
3) Image from http://www.mytimes.com/
4) Image from http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/

Word on the Tweet - January 26, 2011

The Daily Hat Trick stays on top of the movers and shakers in the sports world. Once again, we, being me and my imagination, have gotten our hands on the private, top secret Tweets sent out by players and coaches, for players and coaches. I had to do a few things I would not admit to in a job interview to get these, but my dedication to you, the reader, is unbreakable. Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail...you do not really care, do you? On to this week’s edition of “Word on the Tweet”….

Wal-Mart CEO Michael Duke and NBA Commissioner David Stern discussing the possibility of contraction in the NBA….

Duke: @SternDiscipline Dave, is this true, what I have been hearing about you getting rid of a few teams? #OpportunityKnocking

Stern: @FirstRetailThenTheWorld We’re considering everything. Some of these teams just aren’t bringing home the bacon. We can’t find buyers for the teams and there aren’t any better markets to which we can move teams. #UpToSomething RT @SternDiscipline Dave, is this true …

Duke: @SternDiscipline At Wal-Mart, we minimize costs, in part, by purchasing in volume. I saw the #Hornets for sale for $300 mil. Could we get a package deal and buy all four teams you want to dump for a cool billion? #NewOrleansGreatValue #MemphisPresidentsChoice #MinnesotaSams RT @SternDiscipline At Wal-Mart, we minimize costs …

REALLY? 4

Stern: @FirstRetailThenTheWorld Michael, you understand that there is a possible labor stoppage with the @NBAPlayersUnion? You have to pay the players a little more than $8.75 an hour. You have to offer benefits. Nobody under 19 is allowed to play, let alone 9 and we don’t have sweatshops generating low-cost players. You…knew that, right? #WTF

Duke: @SternDiscipline U-whats??? How much to you have to pay them? Ten bucks an hour? No…kids can work for you? No wonder you’re losing money! #WorldsGreatestBoss

Players Union Rep: @FirstRetailThenTheWorld Wal-Mart?? We should go on strike NOW! #OverOurDeadBodies #ColdDayInHell #PigsFly RT @SternDiscipline U-whats??? How much to you have to pay them? …


Brett Favre and former NFL RB Herschel Walker, who is considering a comeback to the NFL at age 48….

Favre: @DontNeedAWalker Are you sure you want to do this? The league is pretty rough today. #Insanity #EvenImNotThatDelusional

Walker: @OlGunslinger I’m in the best shape of my life. Besides, the #MMA thing is cool, but I want some better product endorsements. #MedicalMiracle #FourThreeFortyTime RT @DontNeedAWalker Are you sure…

Favre: @DontNeedAWalker Tell you what, I’ll reach out to some sponsors that didn’t quite fit my brand, but might be interested in you. We forty-somethings have to stick together! #Geritol #Depends #Metamucil #Ensure #RockingChairs #FuneralHomes RT @OlGunslinger I’m in the best shape of my life. …

Herschel Walker may need to get equipment different from what he wore in his day. 3

Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens on Ochocinco changing his name back to “Johnson”….

Ochocinco: @TOShow I’m done with this “Ochocinco” business man. It is played. It’s time for a name change.

Owens: @OchoCinco Finally growing up? #AboutTime

Ochochinco: @TOShow Yeah. Besides, if they trade me, I might not even wear #85. I’ve gotta learn the numbers in CHINESE for my next team!

Owens: @OchoCinco Dude, it’s getting old. #ChildPlease #EvenImEmbarrassed

"Ochocinco" in Chinese? CHILD PLEASE! 2

Willis Reed (former New York Knick who played in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals with a severely torn thigh muscle) and Bears QB Jay Cutler, who left the NFC Championship Game with a sprained knee….

Cutler: @LastNameEverFirstNameToughest It’s an honor to Tweet you, Mr. Reed. Let me ask you: was it worth it?

Reed: @VealCutler I thought I blocked you?!?! #YouAreNotWorthy #GrowAPair #ManUp RT @LastNameEverFirstNameToughest It’s an honor …

Betcha nobody questioned Reed's injury. 1

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1) Image from sportsillustrated.cnn.com
2) Original Image from charlottehappening.com, altered after download
3) Image from sportsshovel.blogspot.com
4) Image from onemanfastbreak.net