IC Cold Links: Ready For The Weekend

by Tom Lewis on Apr 24, 2009 7:25 AM EDT in Indiana Pacers News

Here are a few links of interests as we head into a big playoff weekend:

The NBA draft added some more depth with the expected announcement that Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington will leave UNC and Stepehn Curry will leave Davidson. All three are locked in the draft since Curry plans to hire an agent and Lawson and Ellington tested the draft waters last year.
Tom Ziller breaks down comments from NBAPA leader, Billy Hunter in a New York Times report on the players' side of the upcoming collective bargaining agreement negotiations. Sounds like Hunter is interested in more revenue sharing and audits of the teams' finances, which sounds great to me.
Speaking of finances, thisIndiana Business Journal story chronicles the large amount of public subsidies the Simon family has gathered over the years from Indianapolis which certainly makes it hard to sympathize for any losses they've endured with the Pacers.
Chad Ford sent Dikembe Mutombo a thoughtful email upon hearing the news that Deke's career was suddenly over. Real nice. (HT: True Hoop)
I love it when I can point my kids toward an example of an elite player persevering through a tough night, not letting his relative poor play slow down his effort. Instead of crying about the last play, he's ready for the next play. Then after grinding through the tough game, BOOM! Game winner. Thank you, Deron Williams. Be sure to check out all of the great SB Nation playoff coverage.

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Great Game Winner by Deron

That’ll be a playoff highlight in Utah for the ages. I can’t say I have any love loss for Illinois, but he’s of the good things to come out of that university.

The Lakers/Jazz series is the one I’m focusing on the most for some reason, so I’m glad the Jazz were able to pull one out, one as bleak looking as this one had gotten in the second half. I’m starting to worry about the Lakers more in the long run after their overall performance in the first three games.

by Nathan S. on Apr 24, 2009 10:00 AM EDT reply actions

the funny thing about Deron Williams is I still remember him as being the lesser guard out of the two guys coming out of TX at the same time. The higher ranked and more star-worthy teammate of his was Bracey Wright. Granted, his play was never the same after he hurt his back but it’s still remarkable how much their careers diverged.

"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."

by psvirsky on Apr 24, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions

How is it possible?

According to the IBJ link, it says the Pacers “Are on pace to lose 30 million dollars this year”? How is that even remotely possible? The Payroll is only 70 million. The Media deals should be worth close to 40 Million annually. Are they giving away 100% of their tickets, parking and Concessions? I call bullshit;

Any losses of that magnitude are for accounting purposes only.

" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "

by aaronb on Apr 24, 2009 11:27 AM EDT reply actions

The NBA TV deal

The last TV deal signed in 2007 should equal out to 31 million per team annually. That doesn’t even include local radio and TV deals. I’m sure the Simons are charging for people to advertise during the games and in the arena. There just doesn’t seem to be any possible way for them to lose the money they say they are loosing?

http://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSN2830146220070628?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "

by aaronb on Apr 24, 2009 11:44 AM EDT reply actions