FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Aside from their Hall of Fame careers, there is another common thread linking Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas, Kevin McHale, and Elgin Baylor. All of the above have parlayed their name recognition into NBA executive positions-and all have been miserable failures. For every Jerry West and Joe Dumars, there are 3 of these guys making mistake after mistake.

When you applied for the job you now hold, after your resume was reviewed, you were interviewed (probably 3 times ) to discuss your education, training, and experience-your track record. Now, I'm not naive enough to think that an NBA executive would be selected the same as a sales manager, but the principle remains the same. What could Glen Taylor, Donald Sterling, and James Dolan have seen that would make them conclude, "This is my guy?" Log on to this site on any given morning, and you are sure to find very interesting, intelligent dialogue about personnel decisions, game plans, why one player may be better in another role. Yet we continue to watch one nonsensical fiasco after another from the "experts." Most of us have a vested interest in our favorites, and it's of some importance to us that they do well. Teams that are consistently successful are also well run. The fact that you hit 2 free throws to ice a game in 1979, doesn't matter much to a young man that might not have been born then.

The insanity continues however, and there are a number of jobs available. I was always taught that while there are certainly exceptions, very seldom will the common sense approach fail you. However, common sense is not common. Common sense says that Isiah Thomas hasn't made an intelligent decision since arriving in New York. Somebody get Jerry Colangelo or Jerry West on the horn. We need someone who's dealt with this before. Sorry Mark Jackson. Common sense says that the game has passed Pat Riley. Where were the scouts that watched Kevin Martin, and then recommended drafting Dorrell Wright? That's how you get to 12-55. Common sense says that any basketball team without a low post threat is going to be vulnerable to cutters and slashers ie, "small ball." Offensively you're going to become jumpshooters. We already know how that turns out. A point guard won't help you. And common sense says that if you have the league's best record, and a player goes down, and you can't elevate your level of play to stay above .500, you can't be considered for the MVP award.

I love this game!

As always, don't take my word for it. Let me know what you think?