Stern Says NBA Still Is Sound

Commissioner David Stern, speaking Saturday at what he wryly termed “like it or not, sort of a post-lockout, post-Michael [Jordan]-coming-out All-Star Weekend,” nevertheless pronounced the NBA in sound shape, for his 16th consecutive midseason news conference.

Stern announced the league had reached agreement on a new bargaining agreement with its referees; that Dennis Rodman would be directed to vacate Dallas owner Mark Cuban’s guest house; and advised the city of Houston that if it doesn’t help build a new arena by the time the lease at the Compaq Center runs out in 2003, the Rockets will move.

Rodman, recently signed by the Mavericks, had moved into Cuban’s house. After it was challenged as a way of circumventing the salary cap, it was announced that he’d pay $3,000 monthly rent.

However, Saturday the league said that wouldn’t be good enough.

“The way the agreement works, we don’t want to get into having to decide in every case, is it fair, is it not fair, is it the right value,” Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik said.

“Those kind of arrangements are just prohibited. So I think in due course, Mr. Rodman will be moving out.”

Said Stern: “That’s Tuesday.”

Houston voters, whose taxes just helped build a new baseball stadium, and who are committed to helping put up another stadium for their expansion NFL team, recently refused to approve funds for a new basketball arena, despite an offer by Rocket owner Les Alexander to pay the first $80 million.

“I can tell you one thing,” Stern said, “if there’s not a new building, I think it’s more than probable. I think it’s certain that the team will be relocated.”