In Philadelphia, Bob Cooney notes the role of 76ers CEO Adam Aron has been “a subject of much speculation the past week, regarding whether his duties have changed.” It “never appeared as if Aron had anything to do with basketball decisions, meaning a say in free-agent signings, evaluating players or game-planning.” The hiring of President of Basketball Operations & GM Sam Hinkie "seems to further solidify the notion that Aron isn't directly involved in on-the-court decisions but is still totally entrenched in the business side of the organization” (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 5/16).
DO THE DINOSAUR: In Vancouver, Michael Hobson wrote the “longer the Raptors decision-makers linger over whether to pick up the option” on team President & GM Bryan Colangelo’s contract, the “more damage they will do to their franchise not only from the performance standpoint on the court but from public perception as well.” The Raptors "want to take the necessary time to make the proper decision," but taking their time is not "doing anyone in the organization any good” (VANCOUVERSUN.com, 5/14).
OFFSIDE CALL: In L.A., Nick Green noted MLS last week "quickly denied" a report that the league had “assumed control of flailing Chivas USA for failing to fulfill league requirements.” But it seems that “such an eventuality -- or something similar -- is only a matter of time for a franchise rapidly becoming one of the worst marketing disasters in American sports.” Green: “Who would have thought Mexican owners could blow the marketing of a Mexican branded futbol club in the nation's top Latino market?” (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 5/15).
