NBA Franchise Notes: Miller's Absence Cancels Sloan Ceremony

Jazz Cancel Ceremony For Sloan Because Of Miller's Health

LOOKING FOR A KINGDOM: In Orlando, Kyle Hightower notes Suns C Shaquille O'Neal and F Grant Hill have expressed interest in owning an NBA franchise after they retire, and while the NBA is "full of former players who have made the leap into coaching and player-personnel ranks," it is a "hard sell to think that any former player would be ready for that kind of undertaking so fresh off the hardwood." It is "not a question of whether Shaq and Hill [have] the scratch to purchase an NBA franchise," but the "unspoken query is whether a former player is best suited to succeed in the ownership realm of the NBA business machine" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 11/18).

SHOW US SOME BROTHERLY LOVE: The 76ers yesterday began offering about 2,000 "specially priced $10 tickets for the four remaining home games in November and all six games in December." In Philadelphia, Paul Vigna noted drawing fans to the Wachovia Center this season has "been difficult," due in part to the "overlapping dates with the Phillies and then a disappointing 2-5 start." The 76ers, through five home games, have averaged a paid attendance of 12,758, which is 28th in the NBA. 76ers Senior VP/Business Operations Lara Price said the primary goal of the ticket special was to bring in fans "who haven't been there to sample our product." The $10 deal includes supplemental promotions from presenting sponsor Revolution Card in November and team sponsors Taco Bell and KFC for the December dates (PHILLY.com, 11/17).

NOTES: In Houston, Richard Justice wrote "hats off" to Rockets Owner Leslie Alexander, who "just wants to win." Alexander is "mindful of the cost, but he's not cheap," and he "stays out of the limelight, too." He "doesn't talk too much about wanting to be a champion," but rather "tries to do his part in building one" (CHRON.com, 11/17)....The Cleveland police Saturday, as part of its handgun buyback program, will offer either a $50 gas or grocery card or a pair of tickets to any upcoming Cavaliers game in exchange for "any working handguns." The Cavaliers tickets also come with an entry into a raffle for $1,000 (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 11/18).

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