The NBA fined Cleveland Cavaliers owner for remarks he made about LeBron James. $100,000 -- big mouth, sour grape breath loser, owner Dan Gilbert will have to pay. The dummy, Mr. Gilbert, described Mr. James' decision to leave Cleveland as a "cowardly betrayal. -- a shocking act of disloyalty." Stupid! The keen NBA Commissioner, David Stern, said that Mr. Gilbert's comments on the star NBA player were "ill-advised and imprudent". He should have added shortsighted and taking the very narrow view.
First LeBron James televised big announcement, live on ESPN, may have rubbed Cleveland fans the wrong way, but the excitement it generated was great for the NBA. LeBron joining the Miami Heat is great news for the NBA. The Heat attracted the top three all stars in the free agency pool LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh on one team? Now that's the way to sell tickets! To pack the Miami fans in the house, yes, at home, and to pack NBA fans in, on the road. Expect sell out crowds to watch three of the best play together on one team. Watch increased fan and public interest. Listen for the cash registers to ring as all those tickets are sold. NBA fans around the league will come out to watch the terrifically talented three, some to jeer, as they root for their home teams. Good teams will be challenged to step up the play. David Stern sees this. He is already talking of his global plans for the Miami Heat.
Reports the Miami Herald -- "During his news conference after Monday's owners' meeting, NBA commissioner David Stern said the presence of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on one team makes the Heat a global attraction.That could mean more preseason games in the future as part of the league's initiatives in Europe, Africa and China in the coming seasons.``We look forward to seeing them in Miami, and all over the world,'' Stern said when asked if the Heat might be tapped for international exposure."
The bottom line in all of this LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh -- all joining Miami is Miami's gain, and the NBA 's gain.
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