Warren2ThaG Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 (edited) Slashing in the NBA owners' courtNBA owners are taking a hard line on cutting costs, which has resulted in staff reductions for some teams and could even trickle over to the court. They insist on slicing the referee's budget by 10 percent, which could lead to a lockout next week when the five-year deal with referees expires. Chances are fans will see replacement officials at least during the exhibition season and perhaps beyond. The league wants to slice salaries, travel, pension payouts and other benefits. This will be a critical test because the big battle comes following the 2010-11 season, when the collective bargaining agreement expires with the players. The NBA is screaming that a sluggish economy has put a crimp in things and that teams need financial relief. Teams such as the Phoenix Suns are openly slicing payroll and trying to save money in other ways. That's why the Suns traded Shaquille O'Neal for two players (Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic) they don't want. The team bought out Wallace, paving the way for him to sign with the Pistons, and they are expected to release Pavlovic. Iverson needs reality check Former Piston Allen Iverson not only ruined the Pistons' chances of competing for an NBA title last season, but he has hurt his chances of making big money this season. He remains an unrestricted free agent as more teams tell Iverson he's not their answer this season. Many assumed he would sign with Miami or Memphis. The Grizzlies reportedly have made him an offer. His old coach, Larry Brown , and the Charlotte Bobcats have been mentioned, although Brown indicated that won't happen. Iverson is not the player he used to be. The problem is everybody knows that but A.I. TNT commentator Charles Barkley would like to see Iverson compete for a title in the twilight of his career and agree to come off the bench for a team, as Rasheed Wallace has agreed to do with the Celtics. "If I was Allen Iverson, I would call LeBron James and say: 'Hey, listen. I understand I can't dribble the ball with you and Shaq on the court,' " Barkley said. " 'Let me come to your team.' " "He should go to a winner. He's a great player, Hall of Famer. The only thing he's missing is a championship. Realistically, the Lakers are set. Boston is likely set, but (the Cavaliers) might take him to come off the bench." ---more.........http://www.detnews.com/article/20090827/OPINION03/908270406/1127/SPORTS0102/Slashing-in-the-NBA-owners--court Edited August 27, 2009 by Warren2ThaG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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