NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver and commissioner David Stern
Since the lockout began on July 1st, have you heard Peter Holt wax eloquent in the press about his thoughts on the labor impasse? Have you heard Mark Cuban‘s bombast, Paul Allen‘s passion, Clay Bennett‘s chicanery, or Donald Sterling‘s insanity? Why aren’t the owners talking?
Because they’re all afraid of the big, bad wolf. David Stern has threatened them with sanctions if they speak to the media about the lockout. And in David Stern’s NBA, threats have proven very effective.
The only people authorized to speak for the owners are the commissioner and deputy commissioner. This insures a precisely calculated and perfectly executed legal and media campaign devoid of energy draining confusion and the perception of infighting. Even if the owners weren’t together, but bickering over their own varied interests, we wouldn’t know it because the perception of unity is much easier to advance and protect when there is only one voice.
One has to assume that it is precisely because there are differing opinions and agendas among the owners that Stern has silenced them. Billy Hunter and the NBPA could learn a thing or two from the commissioner.
The door is open for someone else to start up a new league. There are a lot of really good, entertaining players willing to play for a percentage of the gate or $100,000 per year, whichever is greater. There are also a lot of places to play and cities that would love to boost their own civic pride. 20 teams at a about 1 and a half million apiece and you’ve got yourself a league that’s just as exciting as the NBA. Believe me, there are a lot of very good players to be had and we don’t need hotshot owners.