Somebody blow the whistle. There has been a foul called on the season. As a fan of the NBA, I call a flagrant foul on the part of millionaires and billionaires. Why? For arguing over percentage points of BRI (basketball related income) and forgetting that the fans provide a lot of that income.
If you have followed the lockout saga as closely as I have then you know that the owners issued their “final offer”. You also know that the players rejected said offer. Now it looks like they are headed toward decertification of the union and a long drawn out fight in a courtroom.
I am a reasonable person. I have looked at this from both sides. The owners want shorter contracts, smaller salaries, and some assurances that their Superstar/All-Star player can’t decide he wants out and pairs up with another superstar (looking at you, Lebron and Carmelo). Small market teams want to be able to compete with the Los Angeles and New York. The players want the same number of years for guaranteed contracts and more freedom (free agency) to change teams. They feel like they have already given back to ownership with a reduction in BRI from 57% to 53%.
I know I have generalized the many moving parts of the NBA labor impasse. I know its more than BRI, free agent movement and small market team viability. But as a fan, this is what I know for sure. None of it matters to me. I just want to see basketball games.
I want to see if the Dallas Mavericks can repeat as Champions. I want to root against the Miami Heat. I want to see the up and coming teams of Memphis, Chicago and Oklahoma City. I want to see if my beloved Lakers have another run left in them. I want to see it all.
So, if it’s true t hat basketball doesn’t stop, who do I blame for taking the ball and going home? I wish the owners and players would work this thing out and save the season. I love basketball. But like a jilted lover, if the NBA breaks my heart, they may never regain my love.