We wonder what is going through the mind of Michael Jordan now that he is on the other side of the CBA table as an owner?
So did everyone enjoy the Rookie-Sophomore "game" last night? I could take it or leave it in its present form.
If people remember, this game was introduced because they used to have a legends game but the old guys were blowing out knees and ankles so they decided to do something else and let the kids play. I've already given you one idea about how to change the weekend and put more skill into it while involving more players.
There was nothing that resembled competitive intensity last night until maybe the last three minutes. So here's what I'd do to change it.
Everyone wants a one-on-one competition but the problem is, none of the established stars will be involved in it. Hey, losing could hurt a rep, so lets get the youngsters to do it.
First, you need to make it a true game style one-on-one where there is no using 10 dribbles to back a guy down from centre court. Use a five-second shot clock or four dribbles max before the possession expires. In truth, that's about what you have in a game before defenders collapse to double team or ball movement takes place.
And we'll go with two separate one-on one-contests, one for the big guys and one for the perimeter players.
Have a big man/post player one-on-one competition from 15 feet in with a trapezoidal shaped boundary using the foul line and a line from each elbow to the short corner on each side near the baseline. Use the legends to be passers one on each wing and one up top so the ball can be swung from side-to-side if the post man is smart enough to kick it out. Play to five and you can win by one point and the possession starts when the defender passes it to one of the offensive passers standing outside the boundary.
Use both ends of the court so player has an offensive and defensive basket and all the fans in the arena get a chance to see action at both ends.
It would be much the same deal for the perimeter one-on-one except you start at the three-point line with no boundaries and there would be only two passers. Place one passer at the top of the lane and one on the vacant wing while starting the play on the other wing. Same rules apply, fivr seconds or four dribbles and if you have a post-up game as a perimeter guy, swing the ball and get inside if that's where you think you can score, the same way a big guy with a good mid-range jumper might step out to 15 feet.
You know what? I'd even take a two-on-two or a three-on-three with the rookies and the sophomores but that game last night was hard to watch.
It wasn't as competitive as a summer league game as it rivalled a charity game with lots of dunks and not much intensity. Then again, if that's what they want, who am I to suggest differently?
David Stern, Adam Silver or Stu Jackson, any one of you feel free to call me to negotiate my consulting fee.
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Speaking of negotiating, the players and owners had a bargaining session yesterday. It sounds like there was little progress but at least there were not hard lines drawn in the sand. That being said, time is running out and unless there are more talks scheduled, nothing is going to get done until the pressure of missing games becomes a reality after July 1.
I wonder what is going through the mind of Michael Jordan now that he is on the other side of the table as an owner?
But there is more to this as it sounds like union chief Billy Hunter and David Stern are dealing with internal issues in their respective camps.
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Here's your 'Melo-drama update.
Yesterday it was the New Jersey Nets, and recently, it sounds like the New York Knicks are back in the mix. There is one school of thought that says the deal with the Nets is just waiting on Melo's approval and him signing the extension. But now that the Knicks are back talking to him, literally, everything is on hold. And since when do owners of one team sit down to chat and meet with star players on another team whom they might be trying to acquire in a trade?
No, it's not tampering because the Nuggets gave their blessing. Regardless, it doesn't sit well with me.
I wonder what the NBA will say if it happens with lesser players in deals with other teams and not a high-profile name like Carmelo Anthony?
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I was fortunate enough on a trip to New York back in December to see the Broadway play, Lombardi, that chronicled the life of legendary Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi.
Hoop fans will have one to look forward to as there are plans to have a Broadway production that intertwines the lives of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
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How about Justin Bieber with his Kevin Martin-like jumper winning the "Yao Ming style vote for me MVP award" in the Celebrity All-Star Game? Popularity is a great thing isn't it?
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It's hard to believe that Reggie Miller was not selected as one of the finalists for induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
But then again, this is the same committee that didn't vote Dominique Wilkins in the first time around and they kept former NBA Finals MVP and three-time NBA Champion Dennis Johnson out for a couple of years while voting in broadcasters and international members.
You know what? come to think of it, I'm not surprised that Miller was snubbed.
From this spot, I'm sure he will however be granted acceptance in the future. You can take a look at thefinalists for 2011 here.
