Quote Originally Posted by convick View Post
Yes, because Cleveland and New Orleans are cornerstone franchises that sell-out every game and have a history that rivals the Lakers and Celtics.
Do you follow the NBA? The Cavs had the highest attendance for several years in a row.They are top 5 in the last decade even without Lebron. Cleveland isn't a front running city like Miami.

Stern had to throw Gilbert a bone by giving him the #1 pick because he was going to raise a stink about player collusion. Hell Mark Cuban was in on it as well and you saw the Mavs win a title as well. Then you see the Chris Paul trade fiasco and NOH now gets the first pick. Its not about being a franchise city because Boston and LA don't need the top pick because they are desirable destinations for free agents. Its the teams that may contract that the league has to be careful of.