NBA Commissioner David Stern is interviewed by USA
TODAY's Greg Boeck in a Sports Cover Story, and says that
the "biggest problem" resulting from the shortened season is
"the inability of coaches and players to get practice time
together." Stern: "That would improve the game and the
meshing of the teams." He dismissed criticism of the
league's crowded schedule: "I think the three-in-a-rows are
totally overrated as a problem." Stern added that the NBA
is "fundamentally strong" and has "more great young talent
than ever in our history." Stern: "The first 50 games are
simply proving that" (USA TODAY, 4/21). On "The Last Word,"
Stern said despite the six-month lockout, "all seems to be
coming back. And I think that, really coming into next
year, we'll be almost as good as new" (FSN, 4/20).
STEPHON DOESN'T AGREE: Nets G Stephon Marbury
criticized the league's schedule: "I've said all along that
I don't think we should have had a season. ... The games
have been horrible this year. You may have seen maybe 20
good games this year. Other than that, it's been horrendous
because (we've had) no practice" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 4/21).
