There is a reason the policy “the customer is always right” has become a cliche in the modern world. It is kind of like saying the sky is blue or water is wet (although people are getting into long arguments about whether water is wet or just gets things wet… my head hurts… never mind). Businesses are nothing without their customers. By definition, if they don’t have any… they go out of business. As a result, most businesses actually try to please their customers.
I believe Adam Silver was also a beet farmer… or vampire. I get confused.
That is of course unless you are the NBA.
If you don’t believe me, ask how all of the ~~ fans~~ customers in New Orleans feel right about now. Satisfied? I think not.
Not only do they have no chance of keeping their favorite player (thanks max contracts!) now they have to watch him earn his $25 million by playing 6 minutes a game (or fewer when he just walks out of the arena during a game). Wouldn’t it just be better to not have him there at all?
How many kids in New Orleans just received Anthony Davis jerseys for Christmas? How many will ever wear it again? How many parents will say “no” next time their kid asks for the jersey of whatever current carpet bagger the team currently has?
Perhaps jerseys can start coming with velcro names and numbers.
This could have all been very easily fixed during Davis last contract negotiation.
Team: “Mr Davis, you are so awesome. People love watching you play. You make us a shit town of money. Here is a 10 year $450 million contract. I know we will probably make double that during those ten years, but we need to make some profit for our risk.”
Davis: “No thanks. I’d rather play with LeBron. I know they can only pay me half of that. But I really need to learn how to flop better. I want to learn from the master.”
Team: “You sir are insane. But to each his own. Let’s do a sign and trade so we can both benefit. Thanks for making us a ton of money.”
You guys can keep that extra money. I don’t need it. Money grows out of my eyebrow.
Of course this is pure fiction. Teams are not allowed to pay a player what he is worth to that specific team. I also find it hard to believe a player would pass up a significant amount of money if his team could break the cap to sign him. In addition, no player would ever acknowledge LeBron’s flopping. Everyone knows you don’t tell the Emperor King he has no clothes.
So screw those fans customers. There are rules in place that make applying common sense and the rules of every other business impossible. The horse is out of the barn on that one. Those fans who wasted their money on Davis memorabilia are simply S.O.L. Fine.
But the NBA is not done punishing those fans for foolishly following a team not named The Warriors. I think it is safe to say that the vast majority of fans want their team to win a championship or at the very least be in the conversation. Losing one of the top 5 players in the game makes that far less likely. The Pelicans have a lot of work to do to ensure that they can spin Davis into a package of players who will please their fans customers.
Sadly, it is impossible for the Pelicans to get equal value in return for Davis. An established 25 year old super star simply can’t be replaced. But they still need to do the best they can. In order to maximize Davis’ value, the team needs to make sure the maximum number of bidders are viking for his services. This means waiting for July.
How will they ever pass the time waiting for July?
However, there is an even more important factor. Davis needs to be healthy. If he blew out his knee or achilles… there goes his value. And there goes any shot the Pelicans fans have of a reason to spend money on their favorite team. And here is where the NBA is giving the finger to those paying customers. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has decreed that the Pelicans will be fined if they do not let Davis play. Will they also provide 3 draft picks and 2 up and coming stars to the Pelicans franchise if Davis is hurt while playing now meaningless games in front of angry and booing fans?
Nope.
Do not stare directly at him. He will hypnotize you!
The NBA will do nothing for the New Orleans fans if the team is unable to get a significant package for Davis. They will simply sit back and count the TV money they “earned” by forcing a franchise to act against their own best interest by risking their greatest asset and chance at a winning future.
Every second that Anthony Davis plays makes it less likely that Pelican fans will get to participate in a Championship parade. The NBA should treat its customers better.