Stern: Betting still hinders NBA chances

Victoria Sun

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001 | 10:24 a.m.

Just west of the Plaza hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas sits an undeveloped plot of land about 61 acres in size.

Some have suggested it would be the perfect spot to build an NBA arena and a high-rise parking structure to accommodate fans.

And it would be.

All that is missing is a team to occupy the building.

NBA commissioner David Stern reiterated Monday morning at the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association Supershow being held at the Sands Expo Center his position on having an NBA franchise in Las Vegas.

"We have a very cordial relationship with Mayor Goodman and Las Vegas knows our current position," Stern said. "I would love to have a dialogue about putting a franchise here, but it would have to be preceded by an understanding that wagering would not be had on our games.

"Suffice it to say, our phone lines are open. There are two issues. One would be wagering on NBA games. The other is a timetable for the construction of an NBA arena. Those are two issues that we have."

Stern smiled before adding, "I don't think ownership would be much of a problem if we moved one and two along."

Recently, Goodman said he has had talks with an NBA team owner about moving a team to Las Vegas, but refused to give any details.

Speculation has it the Charlotte Hornets franchise is unhappy with its current situation and may be looking to move.

Stern made an appearance at the Spalding booth to help Spalding Worldwide president and chief executive officer Jim Craigie unveil the new Spalding NBA Infusion indoor/outdoor basketball that comes with a built-in pump.

The ball's creative team came up with 15 different versions before perfecting the one that will be available in stores in April for $44.99.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has already filmed a commercial endorsing the innovative ball and Stern seemed quite impressed with it.

"When Jim first said they were doing this, I suggested that he get a life,"' Stern kidded. "But, he came back again and again.

"And it's really quite startling. I insisted on shaking it because I was sure I was going to hear it (the pump). But it's a basketball. It just happens to have this very good capacity to be pumped up."

Spalding has produced the official ball for the NBA since the 1983-84 season while Stern became commissioner of the league in 1984.

The NBA Infusion basketball will be used during the two-ball contest during NBA All-Star weekend in Washington, D.C., Feb. 2-4, but it will be a long time, if ever, before the basketball is used during regular NBA games.

"That's in negotiation," Stern said. "We're going to give it specific testing.

"There has been dialogue about it's possible use in our developmental league next year. And we'll just see how the technology works out."