From the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the New York Knicks‘ first title in 53 years and ongoing conversations surrounding flopping and tanking, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver explored several of the association’s top storylines on this morning’s episode of the Dan Patrick Show.
Giannis Antetokounmpo traded to the Heat
With two-time MVP and 10-time All-Star Giannis Anteokounmpo on the move to Miami, Silver reflected on the important ripple effects of blockbuster trades involving superstars.
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“A certain amount of player movement is good. It creates renewed energy and hope in markets. Even in Milwaukee, there was a sense there it was time to rebuild, and a lot of excitement about Giannis going to Miami.”
Asked if he had any involvement in the blockbuster deal, Silver said “not at all” before the two reminisced on the infamous 2011 vetoing of Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers by former commissioner David Stern. “David was, in essence, the acting owner of New Orleans,” Silver explained, smiling to a laughing Patrick.
Minnesota Timberwolves v Milwaukee Bucks
Winners, losers from Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to Miami
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Giannis Antetokounmpo and Miami are winners, Boston and Bucks fans not so much.
Knicks end 53-year title drought
Silver, a native New Yorker, expressed jubilation over the New York Knicks’ “unique” title-winning season, opining that the championship “brought people together like nothing else in recent history.”
He championed New Yorker’s collective spirit, which came in the form of watch parties across the city and state, to the team’s massive parade through the streets of Manhattan. The commissioner also looked back at his youth growing up as a Knicks fan, where he contemplated the 53-year gap between this year’s title and the Knicks’ last championship in 1973.
Knicks Parade
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Many never caught a glimpse of the players. They came anyway, and they wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
Tanking and flopping
The commissioner went on to address ongoing conversations around tanking. He highlighted the association’s new anti-tanking initiatives set to take effect starting with the 2027 NBA Draft, with hopes that they will “presumably disincentivize teams from that sort of behavior.”
Turning to flopping, Silver mentioned that the trend gained “more attention” during this year’s playoffs, understanding fan’s frustrations of how it impacts the flow of games.
Additionally, Silver commented on sports betting, expansion plans and turning the tides of small market teams to an era where “players recognize they can have success regardless of where they are.”
Watch the Dan Patrick Show on Peacock, streaming Monday through Friday from 9am to 12pm ET.
