Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Roberts, who was named to her post in July, has been preparing for her tenure and will be greeted with two racial issues before training camps even begin. Atlanta has never been a highly desirable destination for premium free agents, and now could be completely discounted if Ferry remains.
“And going forward, how many players, since we’re an 80 percent black league, are going to be poisoned in a similar way?” Grantham said. “And is this a collusive moment to maintain or reduce his value in the marketplace?”
In other words, are teams sharing negative information on players to reduce their free agent worth? That is a serious charge, and Ferry reportedly received that information on Deng from another club and then mentioned it on a recorded conference call.
“I agree, all of those things are discussed; does he have the kind of personality and character that we want?” Grantham said of teams. “But when you cast it in the light that you did, what does that say about his character when you walk away from that statement?”
Grantham said he believes people such as Ferry and Levenson could serve a positive purpose for the NBA by discussing the genesis of their stereotypes instead of being banished for their misdoings.
“We have to figure out a way to deal with them directly, and in an actionable way,” he said. “Part of the action that I think is necessary in all these leagues, as long as you have an ownership that’s going to be 99 percent white, how do we integrate these types of staffs and situations? Until I see more [diversity], we’re not going to change the attitude because we haven’t changed the action. Which one do you want?”
Boston Globe – Hawks’ issues a matter of league-wide importance
The entire league (and you could easily include other leagues here) should pay close attention to the issues in Atlanta. Coming so soon after the disgusting Donald Sterling issues in LA, the Hawks ownership/management group emerged with another racial crisis. You would be naive to think that these are the only two teams in the NBA that these things may occur in, although to varying degrees. It’s another reason to be grateful (so far) that your Celtics don’t have any of these problems within the walls of the team.
As we all know, Boston has a nasty history with race unfortunately. It’s made huge improvements in this area but the perception still seems to be pretty strong. After all, one prominent ESPN commentator thinks the Garden game ops staff plays “Paradise City” at the end of close games ‘for a reason.’ I doubt the reason why is to appease to the white fans only. But either way, the perception is still there.
Which is why it’s good to know (or it least to me it certainly seems this way) that Danny Ainge is a guy who couldn’t care less about any of that. I’m sure he’d be willing to sign an alien if he could protect the rim or shoot threes. He’s signed, drafted, and traded for all different types of players. I don’t know the exact breakdown of the entire front office staff or organization but I’m willing to bet that Wyc doesn’t care about race.
Even if they did, they should all take the case in Atlanta as a good lesson to learn from to clean up any areas where this might even be close to a problem. Even having a bad perception makes free agents hesitant to sign. Carmelo Anthony claims that no one wants to play in Atlanta. Which is interesting because A. Sherrod Blakely thinks that ATL will be a FA destination still.
At any rate, be grateful that your team has avoided these recent and ugly problems. Historically, this city has seen enough of it and it’s good to know that the current ownership/management group has been anything but close to these problems.
On Page 2, Colton Iverson is rocking it in Spain
Celtics draft pick Colton Iverson is off to a good start with his new team in Spain.
Iverson, who signed a one-year deal with Laboral Kutxa Vitoria this summer, had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a preseason win on Saturday.
Drafted by the Celtics in the second round of the 2013 NBA draft, Iverson spent last season with Besiktas Integral Forex in Istanbul where he averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds while appearing in 18 EuroCup games.
The 7-foot big man was hoping his play would open some eyes – and possibly a roster spot – during summer league with the Celtics.
CSNNE – Iverson looks good in Spain while waiting for C’s
Keep at it big man! I would be very surprised if Iverson ever plays a real game for the Celtics, but with the dearth of big men as well as random injuries, you never know.
Finally, Brandon Bass releases two new tracks
This is what September hoops news looks like. To listen to Bass’ new tracks, go here and here.
