NBA Commissioner Adam Silver "has established himself as the players' commissioner, the owners' commissioner, the people's commissioner and, perhaps best defining his early tenure, the ideas commissioner," according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY. Silver in his first year "forced the ouster of a problematic owner, saw a record increase in franchise valuations, scored a multibillion-dollar television deal, helped players' salaries increase and embraced their voice on social issues." Silver said, "I'd like to think I've always been receptive to new ideas, but I'd also say I've learned, as much through osmosis -- from owners who've been incredibly successful ... that great ideas can come from anywhere. I've learned that you need to look broader than the traditional decision-making processes that businesses follow, especially with a sport like basketball." He said that his year has been "eventful and chock-full." Silver: "It actually went by very fast. ... I had some very unexpected things. Some other moments of great joy." Zillgitt notes among pro sports commissioners, Silver "also took the lead on gambling," pushing states "to make it legal." It is "not because Silver is pro-gambling but because he sees where gambling is in Europe and where it's headed" in the U.S., especially as states "look for alternatives to raising taxes for income." Silver last week on a TV broadcast "suggested a change to the playoff format should happen soon." But he said, "There is a lot to be said for taking a fresh look at our seedings and ensuring the very best teams are competing in the playoffs. I maybe should've been slightly more cautious in my response only because there is a long tradition in terms of our conference system. It's fair to say it's something that requires a very strong examination" (USA TODAY, 2/9).
