The NBA ‘s boss, Commissioner David Stern is happy with the way the shortened season has played out.
The Boston Globe reports that Stern issued his “State of the NBA” address prior to game one of the NBA Finals on Tuesday.
The league lost about 20 percent of its season as a result of a labor dispute, but Stern said the NBA still received full compensation from ESPN and TNT.
Though the league didn’t get the hard salary cap it sought during the dispute, it did get a finals that shows smaller market teams can compete, as the draft-built Oklahoma City Thunder take on the free agency-designed Miami Heat . The Thunder took game one 105-94.
David Stern also addressed concerns by owners about injuries to star players competing internationally for the U.S., suggesting that America may use only players younger than 23 for the Olympics .
Another rumor addressed by the commissioner, according to an ABC News affiliate, included the Sacramento Kings moving to Anaheim, Calif. Though the Maloof family, which owns the Kings, say they are committed to Sacramento, rumors have flown about moving. Stern however, said that the league would not approve such a move.
“If there was a vote now, there would be no support for a move,” Stern said. “And I believe the ownership that says they’re planning to stay (in Sacramento).”
The Mayor of Sacramento, Kevin Johnson, released a statement after Stern’s press conference expressing his thanks to the commissioner.
“Sacramento may have the fifth pick in the draft, but we remain a top pick with the commissioner,” he said. “We appreciate the commitment to the best fans in the NBA.”
(Image courtesy of The Associated Press)
