Stephen A. Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that David Stern is a master of getting what he wants. During the lockout, he had a $2.64 billion television deal with NBC and TNT in his back pocket, ensuring that owners would get paid even if the season was canceled. Now with escrow and the luxury tax he has what has essentially become a hard cap. This has limited player movement and team spending.

Next on Stern's agenda? The creation of the NBA Developmental League may mean an attempt at imposing a 21-year old limit on playing in the NBA. He knows that the players' association will bark about individuals' rights, about how high schoolers should have the freedom to earn a living. But Stern also knows the union might be willing to deal with him if he dangles that escrow tax in the players' faces as a bargaining chip.

Come to think of it, if Stern has his way, fans eventually won't have to worry about watching high-priced busts continuously underachieve, either. One day, Stern will attempt to rid the NBA of guaranteed contracts.

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General Basketball

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