I write this column every year two days before the regular season ends, and I usually get right to the point. But this year I am going to start a little differently. So let me get one item off my chest and out of the way: Michele Roberts is way off base. The new executive director of the NBA Players Association tried to reinvent the wheel this week when it was reported that she is instituting the Players Choice Awards, which will
Nobody hates standing around in locker rooms more than basketball reporters. But if the player you are seeking to interview is not there when the media is allowed inside for a 30-minute pre-game access period, you know what you have to do? Wait around. Same thing post-game. If a guy is taking a shower, or getting treatment, or lifting weights … you stand around and wait. It is part of the job, it is somewhat demeaning, and I can see how it
The Milwaukee Bucks were in the midst of a surprisingly successful season under the tutelage of Jason Kidd and were well on their way to make it to the postseason. Brandon Knight played a huge role for the Bucks and was in the midst of a career year, so it was quite surprising when he was traded away to the Phoenix Suns to ultimately be replaced by Michael Carter-Williams. So what’s that about, exactly? Carter-Williams is actually almost two months older
Michele Roberts is a smart person. You don’t go from being a public defender to major law form partner to becoming the first female head of a major professional sports union without having a healthy combination of savvy, smarts and substance. So what was she doing last week when she told ESPN that the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, with its maximum salaries, age limit and rookie salary scale, is “un-American?” (And by the way, that “un-American” comment clearly struck a nerve with
Those who thought David Stern’s retirement would remove the bombast in collective bargaining between the NBA and its players association underestimated Michele Roberts. The veins may not be popping out of the temples; the face may not be as menacing as Lord Voldemort’s; the sound level may not be at Metallica decibels; but the new head of the players association made it clear again last week that Stern’s absence will make negotiations no less adversarial. Roberts repeated criticism of certain elements of the current
Prediction season is almost in full swing, and here is one from me: Kobe Bryant is going to compete for the NBA scoring title all the way into April, and he might just win it. In fact, if I had to pick a favorite, I’d pick the Mamba. With all due respect to Kevin Durant, no one has been more of a pure scorer in the NBA longer than Kobe. Yes, the guy is 37 and is coming off a major knee
Michele Roberts, the person, believes an age limit that keeps 18-year-olds out of the NBA is un-American. She also believes a maximum salary in a thriving industry is abhorrent. And she feels a system set up to prevent owners from overspending is flat-out ludicrous. Again, those are the opinions of Michele Roberts, the person. Not Michele Roberts, the new boss of the National Basketball Players Association. In her new job, max salaries, salary caps, luxury taxes and age limits are economic realities
FUBAR, Excruciating, Manipulated. These were all terms that I used to describe the search for the new Executive Director of the NBPA. The process that was used to replace Billy Hunter was full of twists and turns, intrigue, and uncertainty. It lasted way too long and was managed clumsily. There was a vote that wasn’t, then a do-over when word circulated about a seemingly forced outcome. At the end of the day the final vote was done hastily amid protest. Then, against