The excitement persisted over All-Star Weekend, two weeks after one of the most spectacular deals in NBA history—possibly the largest in-season transfer of All-NBA talent ever.
The NBA commissioner Adam Silver discussed the impact of the Luka Dončić-for-Anthony Davis trade on the Mavericks, Lakers, and the league during the All-Star Saturday press conference.
Many fans in Dallas have been furious that Dončić's championship hopes with the Mavs have been shattered, protesting, demanding refunds for their tickets, and generally being grumpy.
Silver disagreed with reports that the Mavs' owners were attempting to reduce the team's appeal in order to move.
The commissioner discussed other deals, notably the one in which Miami's veteran wing Jimmy Butler wriggled his way out. Before being sent to Golden State, Butler ruined the Heat's season by breaking and lying.
Instead of discussing the "contentious" part of that circumstance, Silver concentrated on the league's collective bargaining agreement's salary cap and luxury tax provisions, which may be funded before basketball.
The Lakers' unsuccessful attempt to acquire Charlotte center Mark Williams was another deal that was discussed. Prior to failing his physical, Williams, a rim protector and rebounder, had appeared to be the ideal match as L.A. tried to replace Davis.
All parties were put in an embarrassing situation when the contract was canceled. The Hornets did not submit a complaint of the ruling, Silver revealed.
Silver covered a broad range of other subjects in the Q&A section of his presentation, which took place almost an hour before the start of All-Star Saturday festivities at Chase Center:
Players complain about referees. If NBA commissioner for a day, some players would address officiating problems. Technology advancements may help officials focus more on subjective calls.
What if he played in the NBA for a day? Silver's answer was swift: "I would quit whining about officiating."
The Timberwolves ownership dispute remains unresolved. A tribunal voted 2-1 in favor of Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore's claims to replace Glen Taylor as primary owner. Taylor is fighting to keep control. NBA approval is required once the dispute is settled.
For every claim that 3-pointers have sucked individuality out of the NBA product and made games decide games, there is a counterargument that they allow losing teams to catch up and reduce the amount of dribbling that occurs under the rim.
Outside of actual stadium attendance, the NBA audience is always shifting. Silver discussed the various ways NBA fans watch the league, including social media, streaming platforms, the Internet, and broadcast and cable TV. He didn't seem concerned about fans who might not be able to focus long enough to watch games.
The Dikembe Mutombo Humanitarian Award was announced, honoring the NBA center for his humanitarian work in Africa. Mutombo was appointed the league's first worldwide ambassador by David Stern before Stern passed away in September. Mutombo is known for building hospitals in Africa.
No rematch between Steph and Sabrina for the 3-point battle at the WNBA vs. NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis last year. The second match never happened.