NBA Commissioner David Stern gave his annual State of
the Game address yesterday before Game Three of the NBA
Finals and "played defense as well as he could," according
to Mike Wise of the N.Y. TIMES, who writes that Stern "did
not sound overly concerned about the future of the league."
Stern, on the NBA surviving without Michael Jordan: "I think
we're seeing the creation in front of our eyes of the kinds
of teams [that will become known] ... So the state of the
league is one that finds us very optimistic" (N.Y. TIMES,
6/22). In Dallas, Marc Stein writes that Stern formed a
"special committee" of at least 16 members, including NBA
coaches, broadcasters, players and execs "to begin
discussing rule changes for next season." Stern noted the
ratings drop during this year's Finals, but alluding to the
lockout, he said that a low-scoring Spurs-Knicks series is
"better than having no Finals at all." Stern: "We sure are
glad to be here. It was nice to have a season. All things
considered, we think it has been an extraordinary season for
the NBA" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/22). Stern, on the
lockout: "Yes, we would do it again. We believe we have a
formula that works." In Boston, Michael Holley, on Stern's
address: "The only thing he truly acknowledged being
concerned about is the lack of fluidity in the games"
(BOSTON GLOBE, 6/22). In N.Y., Mitch Lawrence: "Stern has
set off all alarms because of the continued dramatic drop-
off in scoring, not to mention how unwatchable his sport has
become" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/22).
MORE MEDIA REAX: CBS SportsLine's Mike Kahn writes,
"The league is a mess." Stern: "We know things have to
change, and we'd like to put the changes in. We'll
experiment with them in the summer league" (CBS SportsLine,
6/22). In Newark, Dave D'Alessandro: "The game's broke, so
David Stern is out to fix it" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 6/22).
In Orlando, Brian Schmitz: "Stern has given his league a
physical and found it to be just that: Too physical"
(ORLANDO SENTINEL, 6/22). In Philadelphia, Phil Jasner:
"The NBA is treating its game as if it were the Six Million
Dollar Man. Make it quicker, faster, stronger, better than
it was before it came apart at the seams" (PHILADELPHIA
DAILY NEWS, 6/22). Also in Philadelphia, Stephen Smith, on
naming a special committee: "Problems forced Stern's hand"
(PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 6/22). In Denver, Dave Krieger:
"Bill Clinton has nothing on NBA commissioner David Stern as
a master of spin. If 27 of the NBA's 29 teams went belly up
tomorrow, Stern likely would have a news conference
announcing how thrilled he was at the quality of the two
remaining teams" (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 6/22).
FINE MESS: Stern, on the NBA fining Knicks F Larry
Johnson $25,000 and the team $25,000 for Johnson's "tirade"
at a league official on Sunday: "We take very seriously the
contribution that the media makes to the growth of our game"
(DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/22). The NBPA "will file a grievance
on behalf of" Johnson. NBPA Exec Dir Billy Hunter: "L.J.
should be commended for his willingness to play hurt.
That's a plus for the league" (PHILA. INQUIRER, 6/22).
FROSH MENTALITY: USA TODAY's Roscoe Nance reports that
the NBA "could have a minimum age limit for incoming
players" by the 2000-01 season. Stern, on young players
entering the NBA: "So many believe that they'll play, and
can play in the NBA, but so few actually do" (USA TODAY,
6/22). In N.Y., Chris Sheridan reports that Stern and
Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik "are awaiting word" from an
NCAA task force on a proposal to grant low interest loans of
up to $20,000 to students "likely to be drafted" (AP, 6/22).
Granik: "Nothing has been challenged [legally] with the
youth of the player" (CBS SportsLine, 6/22). In DC, Brian
Carney writes that while the NBA may look at implementing an
age minimum, two local high school players will compete in a
slam dunk competition during the NBA Draft June 30th at the
MCI Center. Washington Sports & Entertainment
VP/Communications Matt Williams: "We're just trying to find
something fun for the fans." The contest will be seen only
by spectators at the arena (WASHINGTON POST, 6/22).
LAY-UPS: In San Antonio, Tim Price writes that Stern
said that the league "won't assist its franchises in
financing new arenas." More Stern: "The NBA does not have
any plans right now to subsidize the building of arenas"
(SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 6/22).....Stern, on Hornets Owner
George Shinn: "We don't have any problems with Mr. Shinn's
continued ownership. I think there will likely be some
additional investment made in the team over the next several
months" (W-S JOURNAL, 6/22)....Stern, on the potential sale
of the CBA: "This is something that we are looking into
right now. There doesn't seem to be any shortage of people
seeking to start minor leagues" (CBS SportsLine, 6/22).
