Crying Foul Is NBA Small Markets’ Latest Joke
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By DERON SNYDER
There aren’t many opportunities to make fun of guys such as Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, whose estimated net worth of $1.5 billion makes him the 293rd richest American according to Forbes. Even when he acts like a horse’s you-know-what — which has been the case since “The Decision” — those coffers give him a great comeback line.
However, it was comical to watch him moan and cry last year after LeBron James bolted to South Beach. Gilbert added new material to his clown act last week as he lamented the deal that would have sent Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I just don’t see how we can allow this trade to happen,” Gilbert wrote in an email to NBA officials and owners that was obtained by Yahoo Sports. “When will we just change the name of 25 of the 30 teams to the Washington Generals?”
He didn’t mention which five teams portray the Harlem Globetrotters, but I’m guessing it’s the Lakers, Celtics, Knicks, Heat and Bulls.
(Judging by recent manipulations regarding Paul’s inevitable departure from New Orleans, Lakers/Clippers might be a coupled entry. Maybe Knicks/Nets, too, especially if Deron Williams re-signs and/or Dwight Howard winds up in Brooklyn).
If owners in markets such as Cleveland, New Orleans and Memphis are jealous of their peers in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, it’s perfectly understandable. Say what you will about life in the big city, but size usually matters when it comes to maximizing your profile and profits.
