David Stern, who has served as the league’s commissioner since 1984, has been through this before.  The NBA’s most recent shortened season was the result of the 1998-1999 NBA Lockout, centered around salary cap and maximum contract disputes with regards to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.  Months of heated debate and compromise finally resulted in a deal, but not before a large chunk of the season had been lost.  Had disputes lingered one day longer, it would have met the deadline for the cancellation of the entire 98-99 season.  The threat of full-on cancellation played a major role in bringing both sides to agreement as the league’s highest paid players suffered the most to lose with less means of recouping the cash.  As it stood, a 50 game season began in February, in which the Spurs went on to defeat the Knicks in the NBA Finals.  Fans did not immediately take to the league’s resolution with forgiving embraces.  TV Ratings and ticket sales declined nationwide.  With sides currently so far apart as preliminary negotiations continue in this go-round of collective bargaining, the prevailing question appears to be, “how will this stoppage of play compare to the severity of the 98-99 lockout?” as opposed to, “how can we come to terms and avoid cancelling games entirely?”

The New York Knicks have been building towards this summer for years now, mortgaging the past 3 seasons for a chance to sign one of the big name free agents scheduled to hit the market.  And what did they walk away with?  Amare Stoudamire.  The Knicks are posturing as if it’s a big time upgrade, but it’s not like the Suns were legitimate title contenders last year, and they even had Nash to pair with Stoudamire.  Factor in the loss of David Lee, a 20/10 guy, and you could say the Knicks actually took a step backwards.  After all, Amare has never grabbed 10 boards per game, is an injury risk and borders on a defensive liability.  The good news is the Knicks still have money, and if early indications say Carmelo won’t be available, Gilbert would at least provide entertainment for the loyal MSG crowd.

Looking to avoid an immediate return to the cellar, the Cleveland Cavaliers are in dire straits following their betrayal by the “Chosen One.”  With Dan Gilbert making no secret about his desire to show up the exiled King and keep the Cavs competitive, he could reach into his deep pockets to pay for instant offense in the form of #0.  Looking at Cleveland’s roster, there are very few players with the potential to take over a game like Arenas can when healthy. At the very least, Arenas provides a big name and something to rally around, helping to prolong, if not evade, the franchise’s seemingly inevitable decline.

Vegas rumors are swirling after an article in the Vegas Sun reported that a development company was looking in to clearing way for the construction of a basketball stadium in the city.  The article further fired up chatter by hinting that an agreement may be already in place with a franchise to make the move were a suitable arena to be successfully financed.  Early suspicions are swirling around two teams, the Detroit Pistons and the Sacramento Kings.  The Kings continue their longstanding tradition of popping up in nearly every Vegas story as a result of their owners’ long standing connection to the city.  The Maloofs have a major stake in the renowned Palms casino and resort, a Vegas landmark.  Meanwhile in Sacramento, headway towards getting a new stadium appears to be an uphill battle.  The Pistons name has surfaced because they are currently on the market and the long term outlook for full financial recovery in Detroit is weak.  The Atlanta Hawks may be a sleeper in all of this.  The Atlanta Spirit, their ownership group, has been shaky for years now dating back to the acquisition of Joe Johnson, and though they play in the perfectly satisfactory Philips Arena, after the Sonics moved to Oklahoma City, anything is possible.

From a Cleveland standpoint this trade makes a lot of sense.  Shaq has no business resigning with the Cavs, as they should be shaving towards a younger roster, as is seen in any rebuilding project, and while Marvin Williams hasn’t lived up to the billing of  second overall draft pick, the Hawks’ small forward is still just 24 years old.  Cleveland obviously has a hole at the 3 following James’ departure, a spot which could be filled by Williams.  In a way, Williams was a victim of poor circumstances during his tenure in Atlanta.  Drafted just a year after the Hawks had already invested in Josh Childress and Josh Smith, the young fellow was faced with an immediate logjam fresh off the bench at UNC.  Despite eventually becoming a full-time starter, with Childress fleeing the country and Smith’s shift to the 4, Williams never really found a place in the offense.  Atlanta’s scheme is dominated by iso plays designed for Joe Johnson, leaving little offense for Marvin, who, like Joe needs the ball in his hands to score.  A vocal contingent of Hawks fans have been calling for Williams departure for some time now, as he is further plagued by disheartening memories of what could have been for the franchise, with point guard superstars Chris Paul and Deron Williams taken soon after him in the draft.  Acquiring Shaq would allow the Hawk’s to give Al Horford help with divisional nemesis Dwight Howard by providing an experienced big body off the bench.  The Cavs, on the other hand, could take a chance on a scorer who has shown flashes of potency, but never quite put it together or found his place in an NBA system.