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Articles & Opinion
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Written by Matthew Coller
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Sunday, 29 August 2010 04:40 |
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Superstar Carmelo Anthony wants to be traded. J.R. Smith is being investigated over an alleged assault that occurred during a pickup game at Pepsi Center. What a great time to be named general manager. That’s what former Nuggets scout Masai Ujiri is facing. He also wasn’t the Nuggets first choice, as they failed to reach an agreement with David Griffen, a former Suns director of operations.
According the Denver Post, the Nigeria native Ujiri, 39, has been a rising star in NBA executive circles including being named director of international scouting for the 2006-07 season. The GM position was created when the Nuggets opted not to renew the contracts of vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien and vice president of player personnel Rex Chapman on Aug. 3.
So, no execs, superstars in doubt (which also includes Kenyon Martin in the last year of his contract), question marks around coach George Karl and, why not, a new owner. Josh Kroenke, the 30-year old son of Stan Kroenke, who was forced to give up the Colorado Avalanche and Nuggets after taking over full control of the St. Louis Rams, will now be in charge.
The Post asked Kroenke about ‘Melo following the path of LeBron James:
We want Melo in Denver, and I think that Melo has enjoyed his time in Denver, but we all have tough decisions to make, and I'm from the perception that we have to protect the best interest of the franchise. The message I want to get out to the fans is — we're going to do what's best for the city of Denver and the Denver Nuggets."
Before Ujiri could unpack in his new office, people were asking about Carmelo Anthony.
"I love Melo," Ujiri said this morning in a phone interview. "I grew up in this league with Melo, kind of. It was my first years in the league, and I watched him grow. The Denver Nuggets want to keep Melo, and that's our priority. Carmelo is the Denver Nuggets, he's the city of Denver, he's done so well on this team. So we're going to deal with the issue full force."
One way or another, Ujiri is really in for a tough run, the Nuggets have continually fizzled out in the playoffs, never having much backup for Anthony or players with the type of grit it takes to win an NBA Championship.
If Anthony goes (which it looks like he will) the Nuggets are in for a few years of complete rebuilding, assuming they won’t receive much in return. Any time a player announces he wants to be traded, his value falls significantly.
Matthew Coller is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network, and is a freelance writer. He can be followed on Twitter
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Articles & Opinion
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Written by Jordan Kobritz
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Wednesday, 18 August 2010 14:02 |
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 What was supposed to be Isiah Thomas’ triumphant return to the New York Knicks’ management team is over before it even began. And none of the principles in the proposed move have even acknowledged its folly or the sheer chutzpah of it.
Thomas, currently the head basketball coach at F.I.U., formerly known as Florida International University, had agreed to a formal consulting arrangement with the team he ran into the ground while serving in various capacities, including president and coach, between 2003-07. Thomas was terminated by the Knicks after a jury decided he had sexually harassed a female employee who was later fired for reporting him to his boss, Madison Square Garden president James Dolan. Just for good measure, the jury tacked on a multi-million dollar judgment against the team.
Dolan, whose only qualification for his position is his father’s major equity stake in MSG, and Thomas have a mutual admiration society that is unexplainable, except to say that they are two peas in the same pod – rich, spoiled, arrogant and incompetent.
According to Thomas, even after he was fired he never fully separated himself from the Knicks, having spent the past three years as an “informal” consultant to Dolan on talent evaluations and engaging in recruiting efforts for the team. Never mind that the Knicks have a GM, Donnie Walsh, and a coach, Mike D’Antoni, who are responsible for such matters and who are recognized as among the best in the NBA at what they do. Both Walsh and D’Antoni were on record as opposing the formal arrangement with Thomas, but in accordance with the Golden Rule – those that have the gold, rule - Dolan overruled them.
Surprisingly, the NCAA, best known for “Not Caring About Athletes,” has no rules against a college coach also working for a professional team and blessed the consulting agreement before it was announced. Never mind that such an arrangement is, at the very least, a conflict of interest. Should the coach advise his players to sign with his pro team or stay in school? The dual role may also give the coach a recruiting advantage. Yet the very same NCAA has rules against a coach sending condolences to the family of a recruit killed in an auto accident.
Although the NCAA found no rules violation with the Knicks-Thomas arrangement, the NBA did. Under league bylaws, a coach can’t be employed by an NCAA institution at the same time he is drawing a paycheck from one of its teams. Rather than formerly void the agreement between the Knicks and Thomas, NBA commissioner David Stern discussed the issue privately with both parties and gave them the opportunity to rescind the arrangement. After the parties agreed to do so, Stern issued a written statement saying, “…it is not necessary for the league to take any formal action on the proposed arrangement.” How convenient.
Despite rescinding the formal agreement, both Dolan and Thomas were adamant they would continue their informal arrangement whereby the disgraced Thomas would provide services to the team. Thomas and Dolan are friends, partners in crime, and that is unlikely to change with or without a formal employment arrangement with the Knicks. Dolan acknowledged as much in a formal statement. “He’s (Thomas) a good friend of mine, and the organization and I will continue to solicit his views. He will always have strong ties to me and the team.”
With the exception of Dolan, nobody associated with the Knicks or the NBA wants Thomas involved with them in either an official or unofficial capacity. Not only was the agreement between the Knicks and Thomas ill-advised from a business perspective, it was a PR disaster as well. The outcry from fans and the media became a tidal wave of dissent, something that obviously didn’t faze Dolan.
It’s inevitable that Thomas will end up back in the NBA someday, probably with the Knicks although some other team, operating with blinders, may see the same thing in Thomas that Dolan does. The only question is the timing. And when the inevitable happens, Thomas won’t continue to receive a paycheck from an NCAA institution, not because the NCAA prohibits it, but because the NBA bylaws won’t permit it. Funny how the so-called “amateurs” can tolerate an unethical arrangement that the pros find unacceptable.
OTHER NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
(THE BIZ OF BASEBALL)
Jordan Kobritz is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network. He can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network. He is a former attorney, CPA, and Minor League Baseball team owner. He is an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Eastern New Mexico University and teaches the Business of Sports at the University of Wyoming.
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NBA News
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Written by Matthew Coller
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Saturday, 24 July 2010 00:40 |
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The NBA’s fine-everything-possible policy does not rest during the off-season. The Associated Press reported that Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations David Kahn was fined $50,000 Friday for remarks concerning recently-acquired forward Michael Beasley’s past marijuana use.
Kahn described Beasley as “a very young and immature kid who smoked too much marijuana (while playing for the Miami Heat)," during an interview with Twin Cities ESPN Radio affiliate KSTP. Kahn did add that Beasley is through smoking marijuana. Beasley, who was the second overall pick in 2008 has underachieved thus far in his career.
In April 2010, CNBC Sports Biz reporter Darren Rovell talked about the issue of marijuana use in professional sports in a piece titled “Why Sports Teams Worry About Marijuana Use.” In the article, Rovell says of the affects on the floor, “marijuana really doesn’t have any athletic enhancing benefits. By many accounts, it inhibits performance. It impairs memory, hurts coordination and could affect heart rate.”
Rovell also notes that more often than ever, pro sports teams are looking into players’ past and current marijuana use when drafting. Maybe Miami should have looked into Beasley’s use. Well, maybe Kahn shouldn’t have let that cat out of the bag, or at least the NBA thinks so.
OTHER NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
(THE BIZ OF BASEBALL)
Matthew Coller is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network, and is a freelance writer. He can be followed on Twitter
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NBA News
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Written by Maury Brown
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Monday, 19 July 2010 18:23 |
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The Portland Trail Blazers have named Rich Cho as the team’s new general manager, Trail Blazers President Larry Miller announced today. Per team policy, financial details were not disclosed.
“Rich is the perfect fit for our organization,” said Larry Miller, Trail Blazers president. “He has the right balance of basketball knowledge, business acumen and tremendous people skills. Everyone I spoke to about Rich commented not just on his qualifications but on who he is as a person. He is well known for his ability to connect genuinely with people. Rich will be a great fit for our organization and for Portland. He is an executive on the rise and we're thrilled to have him as a Trail Blazer."
Cho, who becomes the ninth general manager in Trail Blazers history, joins the Trail Blazers after spending the past nine seasons as assistant general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder.
“I am extremely humbled and grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything I can to help this great team get even better,” said Rich Cho. “When I met with Mr. Allen, Larry Miller, and coach McMillan, it was immediately apparent to me that this organization has an incredible commitment to winning. As someone who grew up in the northwest, I’m aware of the unbelievable passion and support that Trail Blazers fans have, and I’m excited to be a part of this rich tradition.”
Cho entered the NBA as an intern with the SuperSonics in 1995 while earning a law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. He was brought on as a part-time consultant for the SuperSonics in 1997. Later that year he was hired as the team’s director of basketball affairs, a position he held until being promoted to assistant general manager in 2000.
“Rich Cho joins us as one of the new generation of general managers in the NBA,” said Paul Allen, Trail Blazers owner. “We were all impressed with the depth and breadth of his skill-set and we know his leadership will be a critical to make our great organization even more successful. I really enjoyed meeting with him and discussing what he could bring to the Blazers to make that happen."
While assistant general manager with the SuperSonics/Thunder, Cho, who is known for his analytical skills, was responsible for constructing trades, contract negotiations, salary cap and Collective Bargaining Agreement matters, player contracts and all player personnel issues. Cho also reviewed contract matters for the Seattle Storm.
A member of the Washington State Bar, Cho was also a valuable asset to the business office, having served as Vice President of Legal for the SuperSonics from 2005-07. He handled all the legal work involved with sponsorship agreements, licensing issues, employment contracts and immigration issues.
During his internship with the SuperSonics, Cho - with the assistance of two Microsoft programmers - helped design and implement one of the NBA’s most advanced and comprehensive college and professional player-evaluation systems that integrates player statistics, scouting information and contract details.
I worked with Cho in Seattle,” said Trail Blazers Head Coach, Nate McMillan. “He works 24/7. He’s intelligent, soft-spoken, a family guy. He has been the most sought after NBA executive over the past couple of years. He can get deals done and make things happen. I look forward to working as a team with Rich and Larry Miller. Next steps will be to finalize my coaching staff. I hope to make that announcement later this week”
Cho, 44, is a northwest native, having attended Decatur High School in Federal Way, Wash. before earning an engineering degree from Washington State University. His law degree from Pepperdine University includes an emphasis in sports law, contract negotiations and dispute resolution.
Prior to entering the NBA, he had previously worked as an engineer at Boeing in Seattle from 1990-95.
Source: Portland Trail Blazers
OTHER NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
(THE BIZ OF BASEBALL)
 Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, as well as a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog.. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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NBA News
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Written by Matthew Coller
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Friday, 16 July 2010 01:23 |
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The Golden State Warriors owner Chris Cohan reached an agreement to sell the franchise to Boston Celtics minority partner Joe Lacob and Mandalay Entertainment CEO Peter Guber, the Associated Press reported Thursday. The team will change hands to the tune of $450 million, the most ever for an NBA team. The previous record was $401 million with the 2001 sale of the Phoenix Suns. Cohan originally bought the team in 1995 for $119 million but was forced to sell after financial difficulties relating to the sale of his previously owned cable company.
In 2009, Forbes estimated the Warriors franchise was worth $315 million based on their sport, market, stadium and brand management. But, the good news for the team’s new owners is that in 2008 operating income is listed at $11.9 million and player expenses at $70 million while revenue was $113 million (difference of + $31.1 million). Building-block stars like Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis along with recently acquired forward David Lee give the Warriors a bright future on the court. The Warriors currently rank 21st in team payroll, a number likely to rise with the change in ownership.
None of this would have mattered had Cohan chose to sell the team to the runner up. Oracle CEO Larry Ellision, who was considered the favorite to buy the team, has a fortune of an estimated $28 million according to Forbes. Cohan must have felt new owners Lacob and Guber will be more hands-on.
"Although I was the highest bidder, Chris Cohan decided to sell to someone else," Ellision said. "In my experience this is a bit unusual. Nonetheless, I wish the Warriors and their fans nothing but success under their new ownership."
Not that the team’s new owners are suffering in the dollars-and-cents department, but they are more likely to need a profit than Ellison. Guber is a producer who was involved in movies such as “Rain Man,” “Batman,” and “The Color Purple.” Lacob has been involved in sports websites and as previously mentioned, was a minority owner with the Boston Celtics. Nothing quite like $28 billion there.
OTHER NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
(THE BIZ OF BASEBALL)
Matthew Coller is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network, and is a freelance writer. He can be followed on Twitter
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Articles & Opinion
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Written by Matthew Coller
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Wednesday, 14 July 2010 04:14 |
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 You may or may not agree with Cleveland Cavilers owner Dan Gilbert’s statements concerning LeBron James’ departure from Cleveland, but one thing is for sure: you’ve never seen anything like it.
After James announced he’d leave Cleveland to join the Miami Heat via “The Decision,” Gilbert wrote a stinging letter on calling James “narcissistic” and said his exit was a “shameful display of selfishness and betrayal.” For his ripping note, Gilbert was fined $100,000 by NBA commissioner David Stern for being a “little bit extreme.” Stern also was mildly displeased, but not so much as angry, but sort of annoyed, but not enough to act about ESPN’s production of “The Decision.”
Reverend Jesse Jackson said Gilbert seemed like a slave owner, angry that his slave had escaped. Gilbert said, nuh uh. Fans side with Gilbert, I guess. Gilbert continues to choose comic sans. LeBron reacts by “taking the high road.”
Oh, and then there’s the collusion that wasn’t.
But you aren’t done until Big Z has spoken. That’s right, Ilgauskas plans to sign with the Heat. Coming soon: an open letter to Z and $100,000 fine for Gilbert.
Ousted GM Danny Ferry interviewing for the Nets, probably feels better about being out of Cleveland.
Matthew Coller is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network, and is a freelance writer. He can be followed on Twitter
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Television News
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Written by Maury Brown
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Friday, 09 July 2010 17:47 |
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ESPN’s telecast of “The Decision,” when NBA superstar LeBron James announced his decision to join the Miami Heat, generated a 7.3 overnight rating from 9-10:15 p.m. ET. The 7.3 is the highest overnight rating for any non-NFL ESPN program this calendar year. Additionally, based on overnights, last night’s ESPN telecast was the highest-rated program of the night (cable or broadcast).
The telecast peaked with a 9.6 rating from 9:15-9:30 p.m., when James officially made the announcement. The top three local markets were Cleveland (26.0 metered market rating); Columbus (14.2) and Miami (12.8). Chicago ranked sixth with a 10.7 rating and New York ranked seventh with a 10.4 rating.
Last night’s telecast exceeded the audience for ESPN’s exclusive interview with Tiger Woods on Sunday, March 21, 2010, which posted a 0.4 metered market rating for SportsCenter from 6-8 p.m. and peaked with a 0.8 rating from 7:45-8 p.m. It also trumped ESPN’s exclusive interview with Alex Rodriguez on Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, which generated a 0.9 metered market rating (6 p.m. edition of SportsCenter).
LeBron Coverage Across ESPN Digital Media Platforms
James’ decision attracted more than 300,000 unique viewers on ESPN3.com, one of the largest audiences ever for a non-World Cup match. ESPN.com and ESPN Mobile Web had more than three million unique visitors from 9-10 p.m. Additionally, visitors spent nearly 130 million minutes on the ESPN.com home page, ESPN.com NBA section, ESPN Mobile Web home page and ESPN Mobile Web NBA section throughout the day. Source: ESPN
OTHER NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
(THE BIZ OF BASEBALL)
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, as well as a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog.. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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NBA News
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Written by Maury Brown
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Wednesday, 07 July 2010 23:45 |
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 The National Basketball Association today announced that the Salary Cap for the 2010-11 season will be $58.044 million. The tax level for the 2010-11 season has been set at $70.307 million. Any team whose team salary exceeds that figure will pay a $1 tax for each $1 by which it exceeds $70.307 million.
The 2009-10 Salary Cap was $57.70 million and the tax level was $69.92 million.
The new Salary Cap and tax level go into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Thursday, July 8, when the league’s “moratorium period” ends and teams can begin signing free agents and making trades. The mid-level exception is $5.765 million for the 2010-11 season and the minimum team salary, which is set at 75% of the Salary Cap, is $43.533 million. Source: National Basketball Association
OTHER NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
(THE BIZ OF BASEBALL)
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, as well as a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog.. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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NBA News
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Written by Matthew Coller
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Wednesday, 07 July 2010 16:23 |
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Interesting that NBA 2K11 elected to go with Jordan rather than say, LeBron James or Kobe Bryant....or even Ron Artest. 
Matthew Coller is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network, and is a freelance writer. He can be followed on Twitter
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NBA News
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Written by Matthew Coller
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Tuesday, 06 July 2010 06:09 |
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Yahoo! Sports’ Adrain Wojnarowski reported Monday forward Amar’e Stoudemire and the New York Knicks have agreed to a five-year contract worth near $100 million, Stoudemire’s agent told Yahoo! Sports.
The move makes Stoudemire the first major free agent to change teams, though he cannot sign the contract officially until Thursday. Stoudemire wasn’t exactly holding back until the final i is dotted, the former Suns star reportedly said, “The Knicks are back,” after emerging from the meeting with Knicks management.
Stoudemire was offered a contract by his now-former team the Phoenix Suns, but rejected the offer. The Suns quickly moved on, signing Hakim Warrick to a four-year, $18 million contract, essentially ending any chance of Stoudemire re-signing with the Suns.
The Knicks will likely use the signing to entice fellow free agent LeBron James.
Matthew Coller is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network, and is a freelance writer. He can be followed on Twitter
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