David Stern brought the NBA to new levels of popularity however he came off as very disingenuous and pompous. He also allowed too much star treatment for his cash cows.
Adam Silver seems far more genuine and less egotistical. He made an excellent impression today with his eloquent and stern speech.
I think that he was a great choice for commissioner.
I wonder if Silver consulted with Stern or took charge.
The NBA will be better off....but that's because of a trajectory that Stern secured years ago. We stand on the shoulders of giants.
NardDogNation wrote:The NBA will be better off....but that's because of a trajectory that Stern secured years ago. We stand on the shoulders of giants.
+1
Stern held the rank for 30 years!!!
What you think of his delivery and smugness is an emotional reaction to his personality.
How he "came off" and what he actually did as the steward of the league are two things.
Silver was choosen for many reasons and was groomed by Stern, so if the league is better off, give him credit two for picking his successor (owners ulitmatly approved) and grooming him. Silver was in the office for 20 years I believe.
Stern compared to O'brien might have come off as brash, arrogant, etc but he got the job done. IN todays NBA Silver and his skill set was premeditated and planned for a long time.
Stern was only the 4th Commish of the NBA in its 68 year history!!
Silver has indicated there will be sponsers on the jersey's. At some point teams will have sponsers as names: AKA: The Memphis Grizz will be the "Memphis Express" with Fed Ex paying big. My guess is most teams will not but it will creep in. Silver will also over see international expansion at some point. Stern is no genious and did not innovate the sporting world but over saw much of it and has to be given credit as its steward.
Silver in time will fall in line with the other commish who get booed all the time. All of them get jeered!
Silver will have a honeymoon period and it could last for a while but in time he will have to make tough decisions and fans won't like some of them.
Yesterday he nailed it and gave one of the greatest news conferences ever. He could run for president with the way he handled every question. He was prepared!
Stern made the NBA brand global so respect must be paid. His hard nosed style helped build the NBA into what it is today but its time for a commish with a softer touch, but who knows when to get tough, as we have just seen.
Silver was apparently a huge Knicks fan in their glory days of the 70's but I hope he doesnt do what Stern did and go out of his way to prove that he wont do the Knicks any favors like Stern did, another Knicks fan. Seems like a nice guy who will look after the player's interest as well.
GustavBahler wrote:Stern made the NBA brand global so respect must be paid. His hard nosed style helped build the NBA into what it is today but its time for a commish with a softer touch, but who knows when to get tough, as we have just seen. Silver was apparently a huge Knicks fan in their glory days of the 70's but I hope he doesnt do what Stern did and go out of his way to prove that he wont do the Knicks any favors like Stern did, another Knicks fan. Seems like a nice guy who will look after the player's interest as well.
I wouldn't worry about it. If Ewing was sent to NY it was with the blessing of owners who see TV ratings as increasing revenue and ultimatly franchise values. Stern has thrown us bones, and also made decisions not in our interest (the miami series suspension for the Fight).
Ratings are down this year with Chicago not really contending, Lakers a disaster and Knicks sub .500. While every owner wants to win, the league does better with big market teams.
Wiz-Hawk won't bring ratings, nor miami-Raptors unless an upset is in the making.
Does the league control this stuff? I hope not!
