David Stern - NBA Genius - Has lost it.

David Stern was a genius. Past tense. He knew when he had a good thing, and how to tap into it. Magic vs Bird was awesome, and he marketed it effectively. And then came the Jordan era. But without Jordan, Stern has proven to be mortal (at best) and now, in the 2008 playoffs it seems maybe David Stern was never much of a genius to begin with. Let me provide a couple of key examples of why David Stern’s inaction may lead to the death of the NBA.

Example 1. Lebron James. Oh yes, the prodigal son. Only if you watch him play what you’ll notice is that Cleveland has no real rival (despite Washington’s best efforts.) Lebron has no killer instinct. Regardless of his undeniable natural gifts for the game of basketball, the difference between Russell, Bird, Jordan, and even Kobe - is that desire to demoralize you. Lebron doesn’t have it and in Cleveland, few of us have a reason to care. David Stern seems to be trying to hitch the entire NBA wagon to Lebron and it was a terrible misstep with so many other things going on (see: Boston, Lakers, Detroit.)

Example 2. Boston, Lakers and Detroit. The best of the past are surging, yet they fight for publicity with the prodigal son (See example 1.)

Example 3. Referees. Look no further than the Lakers/Jazz series and you’ll see that David Stern’s decision not to step in after game 3 will prove costly over the long haul. I’ve been an NBA fan my whole life. I’ve followed the Lakers, Celtics, Bulls, Hawks and would consider myself knowledgeable about the game and the rules. This playoff series is a travesty, and an absolute embarrassment to the league. Jerry Sloan has always encouraged flopping - so be it. Malone was an undeniably tough player who, at times, played dirty. Fine. But this year’s Jazz team, and players like Matt Harpring, are the dirtiest, roughest, un-sportsmanlike team since Zeke and the Bad Boys in Detroit. I can’t stand Bill Lambier to this day, nor can I root for Detroit because of their past. Likewise, the NBA has missed a chance to reward the fans’ patience over the last few years of image rebuilding by not shutting down the nasty play of the Utah Jazz.

I could go on, but honestly I’m beginning to think it’s not worth it. This may be my last year as an NBA fan. I’ve watched teams like Boston struggle on the road, and you can see them struggle with timing, energy, defensive tenacity, and confidence. But then when you contrast that with a team like the Lakers who, besides getting the shit beat of them are also getting called for any contact with the Jazz that changes a shot, is just difficult to watch. I’ve enjoyed watching the Lakers come together as a team. Just as I’ve enjoyed watching the Orlando Magic mature together (still a ways to go.) I don’t like Hockey, but apparently the Jazz are under the impression that it’s ok in basketball to just beat on an opposing team. I’m just sick.

David Stern - please listen. You have an opportunity to tap back into the “team” concept with teams like Boston, Detroit and LA. You have major markets coming to life before the eyes of the fans. Kobe seems to have rebuilt his image. This year came together before my eyes and reminded me how much I love the NBA. But tonight’s game took that all away. Knowing Jerry Sloan’s history, it should have been obvious after game 3. You needed to step in and remind the refs that a foul is foul, regardless of which city it’s in.

If I see one more game like this, I may just finally give up on the NBA. This is your last chance Mr. Stern. And I respectfully implore you to wake the fuck up.