From Deseret News archives:
Stars get serious in 2nd half
"I think the second half becomes more competitive," said Boozer, who will play for the Western Conference in tonight's TNT-televised affair.
Western Conference coach Byron Scott, also head coach of the New Orleans Hornets, feels similarly.
"They're gonna mess around for a half or so," Scott said of the All-Stars, "but when the game is tight and it's winning time, they start playing.
"They're gonna try to put on a show. That's what this is all about: entertaining," he added. "But the last quarter, they all look at the clock and look at the score and it's all about trying to win."
Surely, though, there must be some way to make the league's showcase game more intriguing.
Isn't there?
Denver All-Star guard Allen Iverson, for one, isn't so sure.
"I don't think there is anything you can do," he said. "It's up to the players ... You have to want to win."
A host of ideas, nevertheless, were bandied about Friday, when All-Stars from the Eastern Conference and the West met with media members.
An international-style game America vs. the World is one frequently suggested.
"That would be fun," Scott laughed. "That would be unusual. That would be pretty good."
Then there's money.
The almighty American dollar, even if it is drastically depressed these days.
As is stands now, each member of the winning team gets $35,000 and each from the losing side gets $15,000.
Scott thinks that should be enough.
"How much can you raise it to?" he asked. "These guys make $9 (million), $10 (million), $12 million a year.
"To be honest with you," Scott added, "$35,000 is probably good enough, because you've got a bunch of guys that are very competitive. ... If you see them on buses, on trips, they're playing cards. There could be $10 involved. They want to win."
One can argue that NBA Reality 2008, however, suggests otherwise.
Today, $35,000 is NBA chump change.
Doesn't even buy a decent Rolex.
Tip money, once taxes and posse payroll are deducted.
So why not, one reporter suggested in answering Scott's question, make the pool $12 million? With all of its many and decidedly lucrative TV and merchandising contracts, the league office surely has it to spare. Each member of the 12-player winning club would get $1 million, winner take all.
Comments
- Kelly expects rapid improvement 1:35 a.m.
- Utah Grizzlies fall in California 1:34 a.m.
- Panthers end 4-game losing skid 1:30 a.m.
- Sports briefs 1:29 a.m.
- Arena football back in Utah in April 1:25 a.m.
- Taiwan checking nuke report 12:52 a.m.
- Al-Qaida denies killing civilians 12:46 a.m.
- China finds $1.5 billion in corruption 12:46 a.m.
- Dale has fond memories of Bowl 12:39 a.m.
- Springville comes back against AF 12:37 a.m.
- BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
195 - Palin signs books, chats with fans
169 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
143 - Nude bathers cited for lewdness
138 - Max Hall wants to look ahead
130 - Jazz fall apart late at L.A.
110 - LDS to emphasize helping needy
107 - Revive full food tax?
106 - Panel passes BCS playoff bill
105 - Yet again, we learn BCS is a big joke
95
Jacoby Walker, a quarterback from Westfield High School in Houston, has...
Utah State signed three players a little while back and we've got some...
Nick is an amazing kid. I go to school with him. This game shows that Lehi we...
I think that Salt Lake City would be a great place to hold the 2012 RNC. Salt...
Hernandez is much better than Pitta. Pitta was lucky to be nominated with the...
I think that's just plain "TORRIBLE"!
Holy Cow! Just how good is this kid?! That's impressive. Not only does he tie...
Boozer is bad medicine for the Jazz. He refuses to take hits and defend,...
Who has beaten your #1 & #2 state ranked teams? Oh...and your #10 team,...
Good job Titans another win.
Sorry..."Classless Ute". Max Hall is hilarious.
Good concert tonight. Not great. Natalie Cole was as good as I expected...I...




You can be the first to comment on this story.