David Stern can’t fine us. At least we don’t think he can. So here goes …
NBA stars get star treatment from the officials.
There, we said it. The league is structured so that the big markets and big stars have a big advantage.
That’s been Stern’s blueprint in his quarter century as the NBA commish. Taking a page from the movie industry, Stern’s league promotes individuals, not teams. And it certainly wants the stars around for the marquee games.
It’s a formula that has harmed the game’s substance. But it has — as Stern points out — made a lot of money for a lot of people.