Heat shouldn't worry about its image

David Stern must cringe when uttering the word contraction to reporters, even if he's playing a strategic bargaining game with the players union.

This comes from the commissioner who several years ago dreamed of NBA franchises in Europe, some fish and chips and wienerschnitzel to go with your overpaid admission.






Now, teams like the Kings and Raptors could be obliterated, wiped completely off the map like the Providence Steamrollers and Pittsburgh Ironmen.


In an era when players' salaries have exceeded reality (a league average of $5 million might work in boom, not bust) the NBA is bleeding losses.


If there's one team that doesn't have to sweat the downturn, it's your Miami Heat.


Don Riley accomplished more than just wooing the greatest free agent trio in history. He did it in a recession when the Heat could really use the hordes of cash they'll swim in really from LeBron, Wade and Bosh jerseys. To sell out games an arena, in this economy, means everything. Financially, Riley couldn't have won the lottery at a more opportune time.


Yet there's a hint of paranoia lurking in Miami's front office. The Heat's public relations staff sent out a memo last week practically begging fans to not only buy tickets, but to show up by tipoff.


The Heat don't want LeBron and Wade's home debut played against a sea of yellow seats. They're concious of the outside perception that Miami doesn't deserve this team.


Bostonites like Bill Simmons and Bob Ryan, and even Miami's own Dan LeBatard, understand the irony of the quintessential bandwagon city landing what could eventually become the greatest team in NBA history.


Why should the Heat care? If the tickets and merchandise sell, and the nation watches in awe, it doesn't matter if Miamians take each loss with pain or in stride.


Lakers fans historically arrive late to games. It comes with living in a glamorous, transient city. 


The Heat will make out like John Dillinger and Howard Hughes in the Depression, racking in cash when others suffer. Those guys never cared about positive PR.