NBA Corruption & Some Sixers Banter

Some quick thoughts on the NBA and then we will begin the football coverage next week, unless I am motivated to post something over the weekend.

For years, my buddy Stitzer and I have been going around telling anybody that besides the product being fundamentally flawed, the NBA was not worth anyone’s time because the games were fixed. Too many times in big spots, poor calls were made, and referees were deciding the outcomes of games instead of the players on the floor. Well, who knew that we would end up being right????

On the George Rogers Show (www.georgerogersradio.com) last week, they asked me whether the NBA, NFL or MLB had the biggest problem based on recent events. I loudly (yes, I know that may be redundant and obvious) answered that it is not even a discussion worth having, because the NBA has done irreparable harm to its integrity with the Tim Donaghy incident. Looking forward, every time there is a questionable call, people will question whether it was shaky judgment or something more sinister. Looking back, you have to ask yourself whether the fix was in this past season, actually costing teams games, and, more importantly, Phoenix the championship.

David Stern coming out and claiming that Donaghy was a rogue operator and that this was an isolated incident was naïve and ridiculous. How the hell could he possibly know this for sure? He will be learning the details about all this as it unfolds over the next several months. Maybe Stern should spend less time enforcing ridiculous rules like the one that kept Stoudamire out of the all-important Game 5 in the San Antonio series, and spend more time trying to police the integrity of his beloved league.

As for the Sixers, I liked what Billy King did in the draft. I thought Thaddeus Young was a gutsy but sensible pick over the hyped Al Thornton and Julian Wright. Young is a better fit for the Sixers with more upside and much better shooting range. The Sixers need some outside shooting desperately. He will likely struggle more in his first year than the alternatives, but I believe the Sixers will be much better off with the talented Young over the long-term. Getting Derrick Byars, and all around performer who does everything pretty well was a steal.

Also, everybody is always quick to bash King, and it has been warranted at times, but he was responsible for picking Louis Williams a few years ago in the second round and then letting him nurture in the background. Williams now looks like he could be a major contributor. My prediction here is that he will make Andre Miller expendable by the midway point in the season and Miller will be dealt.

Finally, I love Lou Amundson. This guy is one of those players that just has a motor that never stops. He is in the right place at the right time, and does all the little things well. Mark my words, if the Sixers do not find a place for him, he will surface somewhere and make a good team better. Keep Lou Amundson, Billy!!!!

All for now. Back over weekend or Monday with the first of the football chatter.