Ponchy Tiger LSU Fan Ponchatoula Member since Aug 2004 21140 posts
Stern / New Orleans??? (Posted on 4/16/12 at 4:14 pm)
If memory serves me right. When the Hornets were in negotiations to move to New Orleans and in the following years Stern was lukewarm at best and some would say against a New Orleans franchise. Now he is shouting the praises of New Orleans. Why the change? What turned him around? If I am way off base on this I apologize, I am just a casual NBA fan.
Jester LSU Fan Baton Rouge Member since Feb 2006 15666 posts
re: Stern / New Orleans??? (Posted on 4/16/12 at 4:21 pm to Ponchy Tiger)
I think he is just not a big fan of the mobile franchises running around like mercenaries. It kills the league for fans in expanding markets, which isn't good for business.
Jester LSU Fan Baton Rouge Member since Feb 2006 15666 posts
re: Stern / New Orleans??? (Posted on 4/16/12 at 4:29 pm to Jester)
He couldn't alter the lease deal in Seattle to ensure they stayed. As acting owner of the Hornets, he had a lot more leverage to keep the roots planted.
VOR New Orleans Saints Fan New Orleans Member since Apr 2009 33066 posts
re: Stern / New Orleans??? (Posted on 4/16/12 at 5:08 pm to Ponchy Tiger)
Stern never has liked the idea of relocation unless a city forces his hand. He wasn't happy with the team leaving Charlotte because it had been very successful until the last year or so. He did wonder about New Orleans ability to support to major league franchises, but once he took a look a the Arena and the proposed deal with the state, it was fine. And no way, I mean no way, was he going to let the Hornets leave New Orleans after relocating here just ten years ago.
Seattle was given a chance to save the team, but the city hesitated on a new facility for the team. Then the vultures from OKC (and that's what they were/are) swooped in and pretended they would keep the team there if certain conditions were met. All bull shite.
