Yahoo Sports: In time of need, Jordan silent in labor talks

[lildwarf]

By Marc J. Spears (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/expertsarchive?author=Marc+J.+Spears),

Michael Jordan won six NBA championships and delivered several of the league’s most iconic moments during his remarkable career. The greater the pressure, the greater he played. Even now, more than eight years after his retirement – and more than 11 years after his unforgettable shot over Bryon Russell gave the Chicago Bulls (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/chi/) the last of those six titles – Jordan’s legacy remains as vibrant as ever. This generation’s players still wear his No. 23 jersey, and, yes, his shoes remain among the most popular in the world. He’s gone from the court to the owner’s suite, and somehow he makes more in endorsement money now than he did as a player.


All of which makes it distressing that Jordan has been largely invisible in the NBA’s ongoing labor standoff. He fought in this battle as a player and now he’s on the opposite side as owner of the Charlotte Bobcats (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/cha/). He can offer a unique perspective at the negotiating table – if only he’d take a seat at the table.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Ahlfo.vsV3tkk.Ecpy6sNP28vLYF?slug=mc-spears_michael_jordan_nba_lockout_101211

[superb1]

He would be inspirational in helping in these talks. Besides I don't think that either side are actually making demands that would really help his team or their players, imo. The were ready to give in on a hard cap, etc. Players holding strong on the rev sharing.

[bozzy]

MJ is not really known as an inspirational speaker or a great negotiator. I don't see what value he could provide. My guess is he is in a awkward situation as many players are a part of the Jordan brand. MJ has to conform to the rest of the owners to show solidarity. He can't come out and do anything to fix this mess.

[superb1]

honestly I did not think of it that way, but I agree

[WAM9]

There is another angle here...

MJ, and the Charlotte Bobcats, are one of the franchises that stand to gain the most from a new CBA (which theoretically levels the playing field). Why would MJ argue for middle ground when it is, finacially, better for him to get the absolute best deal possible for the owners? I suspect we will hear from MJ during this lockout (more than just some 100K Austrailian interview) but he will pick his time and use his stature wisely.

At the end of the day, I would think MJ wants 2 things without question. 1) Is to win, or at least compete, for a championship and 2) to have a CBA that allows him to make the maximum return (money) on his investment.

I bet he jumps in when the sides are closer to "close" the deal.

If this is the case, I agree with his strategy.