I love it. I can't understand why a fan wouldn't support it, either.
The committment to the game is sacrosanct. You don't and shouldn't want to not play. They should've kicked Popovich's butt for keeping them out of the game if they're heathy.
The competition is sacrosanct. You don't hold back from giving an opponent your best shot with your best players.
The product given to the fans who support the entire enterprise is sacrosanct, too. I'm basically a one game/yr guy due to distance and money, and I'd be bull **** p---ed to see nearly the entire starting unit not even in the arena.
And I do think that it's the role of the commissioner of a league to oversee and ensure the above. The commish oversees the competition factor, has a role in marketing the NBA as a legit league worth watching, and is the face of the league as a whole to the fans.
I can't believe the fine was so low. What would the one-game's pay for those 4 total up to? Fine the franchise that much.
At least teams tanking for the draft make claims about either players nursing an injury or wanting to give young guys run. The Spurs basically said we don't want our guys to play. That's unabashedly wrong.
This.
I don't agree with everything Stern does, but I agree here.
Pop has been resting his players for the last few years now - that is no secret. But why wait until THIS game to do it wholesale?
Why couldn't he have waited until the game after MIA or even next week? The way Tim Duncan has been playing lately, I'd think he is trying to make another All-Star game. The man doesn't appear to need ANY rest.
Why would the league schedule this as San Antonio's 4th game in 5 nights while giving Miami 4 days off before a Nationally televised game at home? I think Pop was clearly sending a message to dictator Stern.
But we all know by now that MIA gets certain perks...that is no secret.
Champions get this...whether we like it or not.
But to respond in kind - to sit out your best players - especially when they've been playing well? Not a good call.
You don't fight the league's alleged catering to MIA by punishing the fans - plain and simple.
Pop knows this...but he forgot it with the MIA game.
The way that Tim Duncan, Manu and Parker have been playing, they could've played in the MIA game.
Tim Duncan is playing like he will start at the All-Star game.
Again - I love Pop and the Spurs organization nearly as much as I love BOS's - but just a bad call here by Pop.
Put your horses out there for the big games - unless they are sick or have family issues or such.
I'm not feeling well right now - there were days that I didn't feel well while in the service.
But did I "sit out"?....I worked until I just couldn't do it.
And I'm making a LOT less than these players.
Again - I just don't agree with Pop's call, here.