The NBA's love for storylines dents their armor of credibility...

There have been many ways to describe the National Basketball Association for decades and the one word that consistently shows up in discussion...conspiracy. It dates back to the Jordan days when the rumors were flying around about his gambling problems and how David Stern asked him to step away from the game for a while. "Go play baseball or something to stay in shape and come back in a few years" was what we all imagined took place. Then we had the ref problem. Many fans thought then and still think that the NBA had fixed games with the refs to assure the correct matchups and storylines took place. Teams sweeping others in the playoffs? Bad for business and ratings. So when the Donaghy scandal surfaced in the early part of this century, we all saw it coming again. The NBA involved in more conspiracy's that lit up message boards across the country questioning the credibility of the league and their main man, David Stern.

Well, lets add one more to the list of devilish deeds by the commish...the NBA Draft. In the wake of the Timberwolves losing out to another number 1 draft pick even NBA owners and GM's are talking conspiracy. Or how did Kahn put it? "The league has a habit, and I'm just going to say habit, of producing some incredible storylines". I'm surprised he even used a word with "credible" in his statement. Not since 2004 when the Magic selected Howard has the team with the worst record won the lottery of the draft. Why not you may ask? Because again of storylines. This year we saw the Cleveland Cavs win the lottery with the owners son creating the storyline that will be in print for weeks to come. I am not a hater, nor would I ever discount what that young man has been through with his disease and all but come on, Stern, we all saw this coming. As soon as I saw who was representing the Cavs at the draft I called my friend to see what Vegas had put out as the line for the lottery winner, because I was sure it would be the Cavs on this day. They went through The Decision last summer, had a huge dip in victories (including a league worst 26 game losing streak), and then the kid shows up. Easy money.

And what about last year? Washington, riding the coat-tales of a widow owner found themselves with 2010 NBA draft winning ticket. The Clippers won in 2009 thanks to having to share an arena with the Lakers and their winning ways. In 2009, the consensus for the first pick was D. Rose who, surprisingly, was a hometown hero of Chicago...and they received the pick. I could go on and on with this "habit" if you will but find it tiresome...and predictable.

The joke continues throughout the NBA and their storylines/conspiracy's. I guess Stern will come out soon to defend his league and defend the way they choose, excuse me, draw for lottery winners but it won't change the "habit". My prediction for next years draft will be that Sacramento will get the first pick for keeping the team in its' city, unless of course someone else passes away of high magnitude where they must give, again excuse me, draw the pick for them. In the meantime I would like to give this suggestion to Minnesota's GM Kahn. If you want to finally win the draft lottery you need to create a storyline for yourself next year, and you may find yourself within the leagues "habit" of lottery winners. Until then, get used to picking behind the coveted #1 spot because, as we all know, your storyline currently just ain't selling enough attention.