Could David Stern be prepping for life after the NBA? Lately it seems like the NBA commissioner is auditioning for the lead role in Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino 2. Stern could play Walt Kowalski’s cranky, shotgun-toting, “Get off my lawn!” yelling brother. At least that would put his recent boorish behavior in some sort of perspective.
Stern shocked the sports world Thursday by vetoing a three-team trade centered about Chris Paul, involving the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and NBA-owned New Orleans Hornets. Thursday night, he said the trade was vetoed for “basketball reasons.”
However, even an adolescent basketball fan can tell you that receiving two very good players (Luis Scola and Kevin Martin), one solid player (Lamar Odom), one OK player (Goran Dragic) a draft pick for one great player is much better than receiving nothing when Paul walks out the door via free agency.
No, this decision reeks of pettiness, payback and power.
All throughout the collective bargaining process, Stern tossed around various antagonistic threats, insults and ultimatums aimed at players and agents. In recent years, he has become increasingly condescending. Maybe he’s trying to posture himself as the league sheriff like NFL commish Roger Goodell. Or maybe after nearly 30 years as the league’s head honcho, Stern is suffering from burnout.
Don’t forget that Paul served on the players’ labor negotiation team. He sat face-to-face with league officials in numerous heated negotiation sessions. Might his defiance to Stern’s various bullying tactics played a role in the rejection? Or is it the prevailing notion that the league desperately wants to stop marquee players from bolting for the big city? Only the commish knows for sure but the decision has undoubtedly created havoc in all three participating franchises.
Paul is now refusing to reports to the Hornets training camp while he explores his legal options. Lamar Odom was devestated the Lakers dealt him in the first place. Now he must return knowing that he’s unwanted. Pau Gasol, who was villified after having a subpar playoff run, was able to escape L.A. only to be thrust back a few hours later. Likewise, the Rockets now have three players’ egos to stroke and no center to boot.
On the bright side, Stern has drummed up a ton of interest for the NBA’s return on Christmas day. But clearly, the Christmas grinch has lost his ability to be an objective commissioner. For Stern, it may be time to pack up his Gran Torino and ride off into the sunset.
