SAN ANTONIO - I have heard the arguments. The Spurs are throwing games. Leaving the "Big 3" at home is just not right.
Maybe.
Pop is exactly right in sitting his stars, and wrong at the same time.
It's why he should be coach of the year; it's why the Spurs can win it all; and it's really all the Spurs should care about.
But what about the fans?
How upset is some kid who finds out that Kobe won't play? Kobe has an injury. That happens. But what if Miami was coming to town and LeBron James and Dwyane Wade stayed home? How would you feel about those $500 lower level tickets you bought?
They must have felt the same way in Utah when fans showed up in Tim, Tony and Manu jerseys, yet Tim, Tony and Manu didn't show up at all.
The NBA says it's trying to repair its relationship with the fans after the lockout. If that's the case, this is not how you do it.
However, if I'm Gregg Popovich, I do the same thing.
But if I'm David Stern, I might have some concerns. Like playoff standings. How Does Houston or Denver feel? They needed Utah to lose.
They must be thinking, "Are you going to sit your stars against us?"
It's not exactly throwing games, but the final playoff spots will come down to maybe one game or even a tie breaker. The schedules are supposed to be equal, right?
Again, the Spurs should not care one bit. But I bet the league does. If the Spurs have not heard from the NBA already for leaving the "Big 3" home, then I bet they will soon.
That's my point, let's hear yours at
donharris@woaitv.com.
