NBA 2011: Has David Stern Been Getting Tactical Advice from Vince McMahon?

You learned your craft at the elbow of a respected predecessor.

You’ve reached the highest heights, maintained through scandal and tragedy.

Business and marketing have expanded exponentially and globally on your watch of 30-plus years.

And when necessary, you step to the forefront and show the underlings how it’s supposed to be done, up to and including no-holds-barred matches.

This career summary fits beleaguered NBA Commissioner David Stern, but also applies equally well to wrestling promoter deluxe Vince McMahon.

There’s more.

Each deftly hooked his wagon to a media and marketing magnet back in the ‘80s.

Both don’t like folk who’ll “cross the boss,” and both will bear a grudge—just ask Oscar Robertson or Bruno Sammartino.

When his champion was leaving the company several years ago and reluctant to surrender the belt in his final match, it was Vince himself who intervened in the main event of his pay-per-view, creating both an infamously memorable moment and an iconic character, the (deliciously) Evil Mr. McMahon.

Is David Stern orchestrating the NBA equivalent of the Montreal Screwjob through his micro-managing of New Orleans Hornets GM Dell Demps’s attempt to trade lame-duck superstar Chris Paul?

The caroling small-market owners, under the direction of Dan Gilbert, are singing the Same Old, Same Old Blues.

So, Mr. Stern himself will demonstrate the proper manner by which to dispose of a disgruntled, free agent-to-be stud.

Just like ol’ Vince would.

Assuming that the New Orleans ownership void is not filled any time soon, it will be interesting to analyze how Stern will ultimately handle L’Affaire Paul.  What message will he deliver to the big-market franchises?  What lessons will he teach to the Gilberts?  Will the Houston Rockets be the only collateral damage?  To what extent, if any, will the pendulum of power swing away from the superstar players and back toward management?

The bottom line for a team like New Orleans (or Orlando, or Cleveland two seasons ago) is what to do with an elite player whose contract is expiring. How do you best provide for the long-term competitive viability of your squad without alienating your fan base?  Do you make a deal early to enable roster stability, or wait closer to the deadline (March 15, this year) in hopes of a more enticing offer?  Do you commit fully to re-signing your player and make no deal for him at all?

So far, Owner Stern seems to be seeking a pot of gold rather than facilitating CP3’s journey over the rainbow.

Former Knick and Rocket coach and current NBA game analyst Jeff Van Gundy recently lambasted Stern’s nixing of the Laker deal.

JVG better be careful.

David Stern’s old buddy Vince goes through broadcasters as frequently as some people change their socks, has even shouldered his share of the announcing load over the years.

So if he’s not too busy running a league and managing one of its teams, perhaps Stern can also be the voice of the NBA in his spare time.

“Basketball Mania is Fantastic!”