http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/the_think_tank_shane_battier_2010_04_13.html Shane's got some great ideas for improving the game. Can we have Battier replace Stern as soon as Battier is done playing?
the rockets need to sign him as a coach first. when he's retired from coaching he can be the commish.
I still remember Bill W. saying he truly believes Shane will become the NBA's next commissioner as soon as he retires. He was saying something like Stern him self is just waiting for him to retire so he can hand him the job. He seemed pretty dam confident saying it to like he already knew it was going to happen.
How many players do you think actually sit around and think of ways to improve the game from the fans perspective? I'd guess the list is pretty short. I like the idea of the shorter season, and loved the 5 game series for 1st rounders. Really wish they hadn't changed it. He is right about what he'd have to prove to the current commish. The NBA is entirely money driven, Stern has made sure of that. I don't think there is any way they lose 30 games of revenue. You do have to wonder though. Would the empty stadiums fill up if they knew there was an outside chance their 30 win team could tough it out in a single elimination tournament and get a 7 or 8 seed in the playoffs? I know Portland would kill for a 52 game schedule right now after losing Roy for 4 to 6 weeks.
The commissioner's job is to represent the interests of the owners. I don't see the owners voting to have a former player represent their interests, when the party they most often negotiate with is the players association...