Adam Silver Hints at NBA Lockout Because Kevin Durant Went to the Warriors
By Jason McIntyre
Adam Silver and the NBA announced some minor rule changes – you can’t jump on people’s backs anymore to intentionally foul! – but the biggest story from his brief meeting with the media Tuesday night will be this:
"“I’ve read several stories suggesting that that’s something the league wants, this notion of two Superteams, that it’s a huge television attraction,” Silver said. “I don’t think it’s good for the league, just to be really clear. “ “Just to be absolutely clear, I do not think that’s ideal from a league standpoint,” Silver said. “From me, as I discussed earlier, it’s about designing a collective bargaining agreement that encourages the distribution of great players throughout the league.”"
Doesn’t that sound like a commissioner ready to tackle a lockout head on next summer?
Here’s a quick reminder to Silver – when Michael Jordan left the league, interest waned for about a decade. TV ratings sagged. Want to know when the comeback began? With the Celtics Super Team (Pierce, Garnett, Allen). And that begat the Heat Super Team (LeBron, Bosh, Wade) which won two titles and went to the Finals four years in a row.
That gave birth to the Cavs Super Team (LeBron, Love, Kyrie), which led to a title and created the Warriors Super Team (Durant, Curry, Green, Klay).
Guess what has happened with these loaded teams? Interest up. Ratings up. Everything up. The Warriors didn’t even have a Super Team last year and they shattered all sorts of records on and off the court.
Come on Adam, you know that Kevin Durant spent nine seasons in Oklahoma City. There’s absolutely no reason he shouldn’t be able to leave for wherever he wants to go. The Warriors did a tremendous job (as detailed here) planning for the future spike in the salary cap.
Fans love or hate dynasties. They’re good for business. This one certainly will be.
If Silver wants to blame anyone, pin it on the teams to do more to keep their stars and deliver them a title. The Thunder tried with Durant and came close (1-3 in the Western Conference Finals), but need a prayer if they want to keep Russell Westbrook (won’t happen).
The Pelicans have a few years to somehow get Anthony Davis a supporting cast (good luck). The Timberwolves have a dynamic young nucleus and an excellent coach, so perhaps they’ll challenge in the West in a few years.
Don’t fight it, Silver. Enjoy it.