Where do I Stand? II
In response to some new issues that were raised and the questions about what the options are, I thought it is best to write a sequel to Where do I stand?
I agree that the fans who change their skins depending on the success, or lack thereof, of the team are not true fans. Fans like many of us here would stay with the team even if the team moves to a different town. The last straw for me would be when the team becomes too boring to bear, at which time I may not watch every game, but regardless follow the results. That, however, is not the point. Average fans wish to see their team winning, and when that does not happen they tend to turn their attention to other venues for entertainment. The important factor in bringing up the matter of declining fan base is the economic impact on a franchise that has shown monetary losses for many years.
I don’t pretend that I have all the answers, and that’s why we are exchanging ideas to explore the options thorough the collective wisdom of people who post on this blog. The following is an outline of my views:
1. The construction of a new arena is an important matter, especially for the current ownership to motivate them to invest in very essentials of success (details may be found in a collection of earlier postings on this blog by many posters, either as a new post or in comments). The problem is that the best (and most practical) way to fund the construction is through public funding, and as has been evident in many surveys, the public is not for it. That dynamics may change if the team starts winning on the basketball court.
2. The preferred scenario, in my opinion, is for the current ownership to sell the franchise. The new ownership may be willing to fund the construction of the new arena (something the current one is not) and stay beyond the pale of immediate profit, thus investing in the essentials of success.
Any of these two categories may branch into sub-categories, some of which may overlap between the two. Regardless of how one looks at the issues on the table, we should win and win now if we could. Winning is that magical remedy to many ills, and a huge factor in changing the dynamics of the elements that are in play.
I agree that the fans who change their skins depending on the success, or lack thereof, of the team are not true fans. Fans like many of us here would stay with the team even if the team moves to a different town. The last straw for me would be when the team becomes too boring to bear, at which time I may not watch every game, but regardless follow the results. That, however, is not the point. Average fans wish to see their team winning, and when that does not happen they tend to turn their attention to other venues for entertainment. The important factor in bringing up the matter of declining fan base is the economic impact on a franchise that has shown monetary losses for many years.
I don’t pretend that I have all the answers, and that’s why we are exchanging ideas to explore the options thorough the collective wisdom of people who post on this blog. The following is an outline of my views:
1. The construction of a new arena is an important matter, especially for the current ownership to motivate them to invest in very essentials of success (details may be found in a collection of earlier postings on this blog by many posters, either as a new post or in comments). The problem is that the best (and most practical) way to fund the construction is through public funding, and as has been evident in many surveys, the public is not for it. That dynamics may change if the team starts winning on the basketball court.
2. The preferred scenario, in my opinion, is for the current ownership to sell the franchise. The new ownership may be willing to fund the construction of the new arena (something the current one is not) and stay beyond the pale of immediate profit, thus investing in the essentials of success.
Any of these two categories may branch into sub-categories, some of which may overlap between the two. Regardless of how one looks at the issues on the table, we should win and win now if we could. Winning is that magical remedy to many ills, and a huge factor in changing the dynamics of the elements that are in play.
posted by Matt @ 10:15 AM
5 Comments:
At 8:33 PM,
Anonymous said…
When the Magic started this brutal stretch of 22 road games out of 33 two weeks ago, I thought that if the Magic could somehow split the 22 road games and go 8-3 or 7-4 at home, they would have an excellent shot at doing some damage in the playoffs. Well, they are 0-7 for the first seven road games. However, the Magic are only 3 games behind Washington for the last playoff spot. But the Magic are fighting with several other teams for that last spot. I agree with Matt that the Magic do have the talent to make the playoffs, but it'll be up to Coach Hill to get the most out of these guys. Thanks to Matt and WeRDevos for all the info regarding this new Magic blog. It's really professional,and it's great seeing all you guys here who used to post on the Sentinel's message board before it became moderated. I look forward to becoming a contributor soon.
At 9:17 PM,
Matt said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
At 9:28 PM,
Matt said…
Mike from IL, welcome aboard. I am glad that you have decided to join.
You have corrcetly pointed to an important task of a coach, namely communicating with the players. If you get a chance, please review one of my earlier postings titled: "When does the Communication Start?" and the comments that it had generated. We would like to have your broader views on that issue which, seems to me to be the cause of many problems the team is experiencing.
At 11:06 PM,
WeRDevos said…
The Sentinel brushed on it in passing a few days ago. RDV is officially passing ownership to B-VDW sometime this year. It would seem we are stuck with the current ownership, which will continue to reside in Michigan away from all the grumbling.
All the hope I have left on this front is that Bob hires a president to replace himself when he becomes "owner." and that president is along the lines of a real quality basketball exec. Bob can spend his time working the kinks out of a new arena deal. Orlando either ponies up the arena or gives up on the fantasy of being a major league city.
As for Grant Hill attracting a free agent to Orlando... well, there's a first time for everything.
At 5:46 PM,
Anonymous said…
UCF completes a beautiful arena on-time and under-budget while a Billionaire NBA Owner needed 85% of Arena funds from the public tax rolls to pay for his future playpen.
That's sad.
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