An idea that shouldn't remain in neutral

Sporting News, The, July 1, 1996 by David Moore

Phoenix Suns president Jerry Colangelo understands that many will dismiss his idea. He knows NBA purists cringe when he trumpets the merits of moving The Finals to a neutral site. But the concept is too enticing not to discuss.

"It seems far out, but I don't know how far out it is," Colangelo says. "All I'm saying is if you're looking for something new, something creative that would generate more exposure and a financial windfall, I think that is something to consider."

There are several strong arguments for a neutral location. Competitively, it would eliminate the cross-country travel that has the potential to sap the energy of players during an intense series. The Bulls and Supersonics played three games in the first five days of The Finals. After Game 2 in Chicago on Friday night, the teams traveled 1,721 miles to Seattle for Game 3 on Sunday afternoon. Fans were treated to a 108-86 blowout by the Bulls.

Logistically, it would improve planning. This would allow the league to accommodate more media and promote the event in one city before the teams were determined.

Colangelo is convinced that in time, The Finals would become "every bit as big as the Super Bowl" if the league adopted this format. Me drawback--and Colangelo concedes this is the major flaw--is that it would penalize the fans of the teams that advanced to The Finals.

This is a legitimate concern. But did Cowboys fans feel cheated that they had to watch their team win the Super Bowl in Tempe, Ariz., this January instead of at Texas Stadium? Some did. But the majority of fans, even if the game had been in Irving, would have been forced to watch it on TV instead of experience the event live. The same is true for the fans of any team in any championship.

The NBA prides itself on innovative thinking. But that doesn't mean the league office is receptive to Colangelo's idea.

"That is not something that we advocate," says Russ Granik, the NBA's deputy commissioner. "I think we're pretty comfortable with the situation we have now where we can do our major marketing efforts at the All-Star Game. From a marketing standpoint, that's our Super Bowl. That's where we have the seats where we can bring in our sponsors and partners and license and deal with our business.

"The decision has always been the local fans take priority in The Finals. I don't see that changing."

Maybe not now. But as interest in the NBA continues to grow, the league will look for different ways to maximize its importance and exposure.

Colangelo's may not be an idea whose time has come, but it is an idea that bears consideration.

"I guess my motivation, more than anything else, is I don't necessarily buy that everything we do and have is Utopia," Colangelo says. There are always ways to generate new enthusiasm, new excitement. "It can't always be the same old, same old. I think it's healthy to discuss new ideas and new concepts."

Rocky Mountain High

The consensus seems to be that Denver came out on the short end of the two deals it made. That's not the case.

The Nuggets are a better team with Mark Jackson, Ricky Pierce and Sarunas Marciulionis on the roster than they were with Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Jalen Rose and Reggie Williams.

The key is Jackson. He gives the Nuggets a proven point guard who can break down a defense with his penetration and get the ball to the right people. That is something Abdul-Rauf and Rose have been unable to do.

"He really gets the ball to people out on the break," Denver coach/general manager Bernie Bickerstaff says. "He gets the ball to big people where they need it.

"We just needed a veteran at that position. The decision is what is Your immediate need. We want to give us a chance to win now."

This deal wasn't about talent. It was about chemistry, something the Nuggets have lacked the past two seasons.

"I think now we've got people who are about winning," Bickerstaff says. Winning is what's important."

So is managing the salary cap. Marciulionis and Pierce--who has a buyout clause--can be free agents at the end of the 1996-97 season. That will give the Nuggets a big chunk of change to use in the free agent market.

"It's certainly not a long-term marriage with Pierce," Bickerstaff says, "and it's not necessarily a long-term marriage with Marciulionis.,

Indiana and Sacramento also came away with players who should help their chemistry.

If the Pacers are to advance to The Finals, they must get Past Chicago and Orlando in the East. Rose is a much better defensive Player than Jackson and should allow Indiana to match up better with the Magic's Anfernee Hardaway and the Bulls, Ron Harper.

The Kings, meanwhile, are a solid defensive team that needed someone to help Mitch Richmond share the offensive load. Abdul-Rauf will join Richmond to form one of the most explosive offensive backcourts in the league.

Role reversal

When Milwaukee relieved Mike Dunleavy of his duties as coach, it retained him as vice president of basketball operations. This could create some awkward moments now that Chris Ford has taken over as the Bucks' coach. Ford admitted after his first interview with the club that he was a little uncomfortable interviewing with the man he would replace.