NBA players keep bad rep

by Lonnie McMillan
THE POST

The NBA season doesn't start for another four days, but there already is plenty reason to pay close attention for basketball fans. And for authority figures.

There was plenty of press coverage of the NBA during the offseason and preseason. Unfortunately, most of it was negative as players continued to build on their bad reputations.

This is one thing you can expect to continue this NBA season. Sure, there will be a few good stories mixed in, but it can be expected that NBA coaches and management will undoubtedly mess up some more.

Joe Smith secretly tried to sign a contract worth $93 million over 10 years. The Timberwolves and Smith were caught, and the contract was voided. Now, Smith will have to settle for a mere $2.5 million this season with the T-Wolves, unless Commissioner David Stern rules to void that contract as "punishment" also. In that case, Smith will be free to sign with whomever he pleases.

That's almost $10 million a year for a guy who didn't even start. If Joe Smith is worth that much, even I should be worth something to some NBA team. I'd even take the league minimum of $287,500. I've got a pretty nice jump shot, by the way, which is more than Smith's teammate and starting shooting guard Chauncey Billups can say. Billups, in three seasons, has shot .375 from the field.

Maybe the pathetic Clippers would be interested in signing me. Again, the Clips are going to be one of the worst teams in the league. I'd fit right in with the rest of team too. The Clippers have six players who are not yet 21 years old. It's a good thing the Clippers don't win much. Half the team would have to celebrate with Mountain Dew. I don't think I'd want to sign with the Clippers though. Simply being a Clipper, regardless of how much talent one might have, seems to drain every bit of ability.

Even being a Pistons fan, I cannot blame Grant Hill for bolting to Orlando. Although Hill could have gotten a larger contract from Detroit, he had greater desires. Or not. Florida has no state income tax. Over the course of a $90 million contract, at about 5 or 6 percent, that's an additional $5 million in Hill's pocket. Plus he doesn't have to pay the tax on endorsements either. Teammate Tracy McGrady and Miami's Brian Grant and Eddie Jones probably considered this too.

Isaiah Rider already has been late for practice because his shoe was untied. Derrick Coleman was caught driving with a suspended license. Allen Iverson released a derogatory rap album - but later apologized. Jason Williams violated the league's anti-drug policy. None of these actions warranted NBA suspensions or fines. Williams was suspended five games for not complying with treatment obligations for the violation. So I guess the league's message is that it's OK to mess up, as long as you apologize or have an excuse.

Dennis Rodman's name has not come up in the news lately. Where has he been? It's probably best we don't know, but I bet we'll find out soon.

With all this bad news in the preseason, and when more can be expected, what's the good news? Here's some if you're a Lakers fan. As much as I hate to admit this, they're going to win it all again and are on their way to becoming a dynasty. Shaq and Kobe will be one of the greatest combinations in NBA history.

You'll get an exciting NBA season this year. But if you're a referee, be sure to avoid anyone with multi-colored hair.

McMillan promises not to release any mean rap CDs if the NBA hires him. Send e-mails to lm144300.