Grizzlies Possible Contraction Candidate

[Nanogeek]

NBA commissioner David Stern has mentioned contraction as a possibility as the league enters economic uncertainty.

Stern didn't single out any franchises, but a Celtics team source told the Boston Globe that small-market cities like Charlotte, Memphis and New Orleans may be in danger of losing their teams.

Not sure what the criteria is but I suspect its - who has the lowest ticket prices.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archi ... tractions/

[GrizzledGrizzFan]

That would make sense, if they went that route.

FWIW - http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/20 ... ntraction/

Also, of the smaller market teams, through their financial shenanigans of the past few seasons, the Grizz have actually been in or close to the black - while other small market teams have struggled mightily. Also there is the issue of the Grizz's lease with the FedEx Forum, that would be in play whether a move or contraction were in play, would make it more expensive than other cities where teams are in older venues.

Again, not saying that it's not possible, but it's not as dire for the Grizz as many would assume.

[vanjulio]

those teams came from a person in the Boston organization - not David Stern. Obviously biased against Southern teams (CHA, MEM, NOLA - all southern).

Sacramento Kings and Minneapolis Timberwolves have just as poor attendance and finances. Detroit obviously is going to hell in a hand basket as they say

[jman3134]

I personally would hate contraction for any of the NBA's teams. I think that if they switch locations, they will find some more fans. Some owners may be losing money, but once the economy comes back, the upswing could be large. We'll see.

It's all about future return for some of these guys. Do they like the direction the NBA is going in? I personally don't with the handchecking and more recently the technicals. I think that it makes the game much more boring. So, I would suggest looking to rule changes to attract more fans. Use the college basketball model. Make tickets less expensive so that there can be a buzz around some of these franchises.

Sometimes it is not that simple (especially when you are trying to rebrand an entire professional sports league, as Stern has made it clear he is trying to do). But, to me, some superior business decisions need to be made for the league and I assume there will be a trickle down effect. How many college teams are the Kings competing with in that market? How about the Hornets?

And then you have the Charlotte market where people could or could not go to a Chapel Hill-Duke game. The Grizz have to compete with Memphis U, but this could be used to their advantage. (ie there is already an interest in basketball)