There is not much in this world I love more than The League. I like the fact that I can breathe, that I live in America, that I have an amazing dog, that whenever I walk into a room I immediately become the smartest person in that room, and I love pizza. But more than all those things, I love the NBA. My childhood consists of Michael Jordan, NBA on NBC and Ahmad Rashad. I am by no means a perfectionist nor do I consider myself a critical person, but when something that I love so dear has such egregious flaws, I can't help but feel frustrated. I do not understand the blind worship that people with access and a voice have given David Stern since MJ retired from the Bulls. The league I love so dear is still great, but the thing is, it could be so much better. When running for president in 2000, Bill Bradley had a great saying that "You need to fix the roof when it is sunny outside". David Stern could have fixed his league back during the Jordan years, or even during the Lakers' run, but he didn't. Instead, he sat idly by and watched as the Spurs and Pistons became the dominant franchises, and no one cares. Now, the League is in crises mode. And I thank Tim Donaghy because maybe, just maybe, he persuades Stern to wake up and either step down, or, recognize that the League has tremendous problems which need to be solved.
If I were advising the Commissioner, this is what I would propose:
*(Captain Obvious) improve the refereeing; contract outside help via other leagues, consultants, even fans. Stern became so obsessed with Cuban that he failed to recognize that Cuban spoke for many hardcore fans, not just in the city of Dallas. Dwyane Wade in the 2006 Finals was one of the most despicable performances in sports history. You should not/cannot be rewarded for jumping in the air, flayling your arms, and then falling down.
*fine players for flopping. People often argue for technical fouls to be called when a player flops. However, this is ridiculous, as referees have proven that they cannot distinguish between flop and legitimate contact, and therefore, the game stinks. Also, there should not be rules against flopping, as, in theory, if a player flops, and does not get bailed out, all he is doing is hurting his team by putting himself out of position. Flops are insanely easy to distinguish when viewed in slow motion. Every game, the League should review the tape, and then fine certain players for flopping. This way, the refs would not get blamed, and eventually, players would care to much about their lighter wallet to ever pull the stunt again.
