Basketball fans are pleased overall with the return of the NBA, but not all NBA fans. Since 1980 there has been only 9 franchises that have won NBA championships. That's 9 different franchises in 30+ years! Part of the hard line stance the owners maintained was an honest effort to create a true competitive balance across the league. Was this accomplished? No. Sure they may increase the level of spending a franchise must commit to and increase the luxury tax for those that over-indulge, but nothing that prevents the "rich to get richer". Nothing was done that would prevent Dwight Howard from leaving Orlando to join Kobe in LA or teaming with Chris Paul to make their own team. Nothing was done that would prevent any future player to do a "Carmelo" and basically hold their team hostage for a trade while the season is in full swing.
Nothing was done for Timberwolves, Kings, Bucks, and Bobcats fans to make them feel like their team as a decent chance of winning a championship someday. Using the NFL as an example, parity can only grow the league. Teams like the Saints, Cardinals, and even Carolina have all had "magic" seasons recently. Yet the NBA is the best sports example of "have and have-not's". You can't put the blame on the city because after all, who wants to live in Green Bay?
This agreement that was reached finally between the NBA and NBAPA could have been done well before the October. Based on the outcome of months of deliberation and missing games, one would expect wholesale changes to the "system" as Billy Hunter states. Everything stayed the same in most respects. A little tweak here and there should not have caused NBA fans to miss basketball for two months.
- RF
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After Roger Goddell made his own NFL history with the punishment of the Saints organization do to the "bounty-gate" scandal, the Saints decide to make history of their own by signing their franchise quarterback to record breaking deal. Drew Brees was very vocal about not starting the season under the franchise tag before the suspensions were levied against the GM, head coach, and players; but the talk got even louder once the hammer came down.
New Orleans Saints decide to start the free agency period by resigning their leading WR Marques Colston. The deal is reportedly for 5 years and $40 million with $19 million guaranteed.
