does houston still have a chance with the rockets??

I like the way Fran finally addressed the question I had . . . What makes Houston think it will get another team if the Rockets leave?

From the Chronicle

The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, under chairman Billy Burge, can be criticized for being as lost and out of touch as NASA's Mars Lander, totally off the radar screen of reality. A little more than a week ago, Burge was alternately: handing off the ball to Enron's Ken Lay, who brokered the baseball stadium; hoping out loud that Alexander might sell to local interests; and saying it's already too late to save the Rockets, so we'll just grab an NBA expansion team the same way McNair did from the NFL.

The last suggestion is the most simplistic and most dangerous since it makes wrong assumptions. One is that the NBA, unlike the NFL, wants or needs to expand. It does not. In fact, in the post-Jordan Era, the NBA is seeking to bolster its basic product while expanding revenue opportunities through worldwide marketing and the Internet. The McNair model does not work here.

Another wrong assumption is that the NBA, like the NFL, will feel that Houston was mistreated. Commissioner David Stern has gone so far as to say he will help Alexander pack


As it is said here and as Commissioner Stern said right after the Arena referendum was defeated, the NBA will not expand and this is it for Houston.

I find it bittersweet to watch the Rockets right now because they have a bright future with Steve and company but unfortunately it might not be in Houston.


[This message has been edited by sabirk (edited January 30, 2000).]

 

I really think that alot of the reporters are trying to scare Houston fans into voting. We have experienced Fran Blinebury reporting before and it was not that good. Anyways if you see all the interviews and they pop in a comment about wanting to stay here. Especially lately and especially Rudy. With Tennessee in the Superbowl the question has come up about who do you want to win and he would say he hopes Tennessee and he wishes they could be here and he hopes the Rockets can stay here to. Maybe I am wrong but doesn't one of the most influential people in franchise history deserve to have a say in it all. Also I think there is alot of people saying that they are gone because they don't want to concentrate on it until after the season. Sure Les does not live here but who really cares he didn't leave here before. Anyways I think Bline bury's editorial was a little bit off base. Time will tell but I don't think the picture is nearly as grim as Houston Chronicle reporters like to make it seem.

 

I think Houston fans should be concerned about the Rockets situation. It is not impossible for the Rockets to leave. It is totally up to Les because Rudy is just an employee when it comes down to business. It seems that in the scheme of things in the NBA that the Rockets need an arena. Thats the way it is. Les will get it here or somewhere else. If he goes somewhere else we still would not be able to attract a team without a new arena. The city needs to agrressively start to figure out a way to get a good deal for the team and the city. I am a native Houstonian living in New York now but I was shocked when the referendum was voted down. It was deja vu all over again. I could see another of our franchises leaving town just when they were getting some young players that I was really excited about watching develop. Can someone please tell me in all sincerity what the problems with the referendum were. Lets Keep the Rockets!!!!

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Moses begat Sampson, Sampson begat Hakeem, And Hakeem led us to the promised land

 

I agree with you 100% Houstonians need to decide real fast what they are going to do....I don't want to follow the Baltimore Rockets...

jesman