gomretat
Well-Known Member
In all the articles I have read about Sloan’s retirement, the one I found most fascinating was one that alluded to how LeBron has changed the NBA and the attitudes of star players. His decision to join ranks has a number of players – those who genuinely care about winning a ring – now focused on how to do the same thing. Chris Paul asked out. Melo is controlling the trade talks. Deron has been more outspoken in his criticism of the Jazz FO and Sloan. The Magic take a significant risk to surround Howard with folks that will keep him happy. The stars are now dictating more than ever in an attempt to position to compete for the ultimate prize. Before LeBron, the belief was that self-interest in terms of the biggest contract would usually win out. No longer the case. – even though LeBron will make more because of where he is playing. Players recognize that winning the big one means they have to be willing to give up some coin to compete with Miami.
While it is truly naive to believe that one encounter with Deron caused Jerry to leave, it is easy to see how a star player who is team leader, who would not follow or respond, would wear him down. There can be little doubt that Deron’s 2012 contract expiration is front and center on the minds of the Jazz FO, even more so now that LeBron has set a precedent.
The day LeBron made the decision to join the Heat it was clear to me that this could create a New York Yankee type problem for the NBA where the stars assemble and small market teams are worse off. His decision opens up the possibility of making CBA negotiations much worse as owners fight to have a way to use a franchise tag or something like it so their stars can’t walk. However, I had never thought it would lead to the type of attitudes that would force someone like Sloan to walk. Something worth thinking about.
While it is truly naive to believe that one encounter with Deron caused Jerry to leave, it is easy to see how a star player who is team leader, who would not follow or respond, would wear him down. There can be little doubt that Deron’s 2012 contract expiration is front and center on the minds of the Jazz FO, even more so now that LeBron has set a precedent.
The day LeBron made the decision to join the Heat it was clear to me that this could create a New York Yankee type problem for the NBA where the stars assemble and small market teams are worse off. His decision opens up the possibility of making CBA negotiations much worse as owners fight to have a way to use a franchise tag or something like it so their stars can’t walk. However, I had never thought it would lead to the type of attitudes that would force someone like Sloan to walk. Something worth thinking about.