In reflection, Stern likes what he's seen
David Stern is celebrating his 25th NBA Finals as commissioner with the upcoming matchup between the Celtics and Lakers. During a phone interview yesterday, Stern talked about his anniversary, the rivalry, Red Auerbach, "The Big Three," and much more.
Q. What was going through your mind when the Celtics eliminated the Pistons in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals last Friday night?
A. "I was watching it on TV and the reaction was, 'Good for the Celtics, they worked hard to get there,' and the Pistons worked equally hard. I felt bad for the Pistons. And I wasn't focused on, 'Oh, the matchup.' Maybe that comes from this being my 25th Finals matchup. And if I recall, only three of them were Lakers-Celtics matchups."
Q. So when did you start thinking about the Celtics-Lakers Finals?
A. "Only when friends that I never had began calling to ask how to get tickets.
"This is a great year. Our players are getting the respect that they deserve. Our numbers are going up on ESPN, TNT, and ABC, which were far broader than just the Celtics and the Lakers. And it looks like we're going to have an exciting Finals - No. 1 in the East against No. 1 in the West. That's pretty good.
"Since only three of the 25 have been Lakers-Celtics, I wasn't quite as rhapsodic as everyone has become. Though I recognize two of our most historically recognizable teams add an extra luster of some kind. I just enjoy the basketball and look forward to a great Finals, that's all."
Q. What are your favorite Finals moments over the 25 years?
A. "I love them all. Back in the day when I became commissioner in '84, I thought you always went to LA and Boston every May and June."
Q. What are your best memories of the Celtics-Lakers rivalry overall?
A. "I loved the old Boston Garden. And the Forum had its own indigenous way of reflecting the LA culture. It was like, 'Oh, this is two different worlds.' But it was so wonderfully enjoyable and the intensity of the competition was enjoyable. And the speculation . . . One team would win and they'd say, 'It's over in four.' Then the other team would win the other way and they'd say, 'It's over in five.'
"There was a great amount of attention focused. When one thinks of ESPN, the regional sports networks and other outlets that are focusing on it by virtue of subscribership and the Internet, the amount of chatter buzz is all good and extraordinary.
"But then, it was about the intensity of the competition, the difference between the fabulous Forum and the Boston Garden. And boy was it hot in Boston in June, holy Moses.
"But also it was an opportunity where Red would entertain in his office. The pregame reception was sort of in Red's office."
Q. Speaking of Red, how sad is it for you that he isn't here to enjoy this?
A. "Oh my, he'd be grouching about something, very gruff about something, but he wouldn't be able to fool you that he wasn't having a great time. So yes, of course. On one hand, there was Red. But the game was always great."
Q. Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Auerbach both have nine titles as coach. What do you think about the possibility of Jackson passing Auerbach?
A. "He has done an extraordinary job over the years. He has the recognition he deserves, but he'll get even more if he wins this one."
Q. You've known the Celtics' All-Star trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen for a long time. Was it enjoyable to see their experiment work in Boston and to see them make the Finals?
A. "It's significant to watch as an enduring lesson that this sport is about the team and that no one individual can win a championship or get into position to win a championship. And those three gentlemen understood that and it was fun to see them adapt their games and come to this point."
Q. There has been much ado made about the Celtics' Big Three versus the Lakers' Kobe Bryant. What do you think about that?
A. "That's just a media story line. It's just designed to motivate Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol. Last time I looked, Pau Gasol had All-Star credentials. So I don't say three to one. And Lamar Odom's played some pretty darn good games.
"We have some pretty good teams, each of whom got to the top of their conference. And both are well-coached."
Q. What do you think about talk that the NBA and the commissioner wants Celtics versus Lakers and Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace calling the Celtics "Team NBA"?
A. "I just smile. It goes back to when the Bulls and Knicks used to be battling. It's funny. It's not going to [influence] anything we do. Our TV deal is now made. We have eight more years of TV in a very good way with our deals with our partners."
Q. How much better are things in a year for the NBA, the Celtics, and the Lakers?
A. "It was an amazing year for those two teams. It will be a good Finals. For the NBA, for us, it's business as usual and we'll see what happens after that."
Q. Do you ever smell the roses?
A. "We don't have time to smell the roses. It would be nice to smell the roses. But our job is for other people to smell the roses."
