Throwing Knives: 'What If' Thursdays

by BD, Sports Show On Mute

Every Thursday from now on here at TK were going to playing the age old game of 'What If'. In which I'll look at something going on in the sports world and put a different twist on it. Though at times, it won't be something relevant as we don't always have point shaving and dog fighting to talk about. You'll still be getting the scoreboard, and any major news stories on Thursdays as well. Today's chick o' the day is British hottie Jennifer Ellison. I surely wouldn't mind meeting her at the Rolladium. All I'd need then are T.I.'s skating skills and I'm all set. Tomorrow from now on will be a dual effort as I do both the headlines and the links. If you have something you'd like to submit for link, email it here.

What If?: Players Are Involved In The Tim Donaghy Scandal
The atomic bomb level catastrophe that is the Tim Donaghy scandal is bad enough having one "isolated criminal." Could you imagine is players were in on it? Timmy is prepared to sing and sheer possibility that he indicts players, or even more referees would put the NBA is far worse shape than they already are. Consider that numerous young, and journeymen players alike are making the league minimum of $412,718 to just under $1 million. While that seems like a lot of money to you and I. For an athletes who had always dreamt of multi-million dollar contracts, it's a little light.

The biggest question would be how they got involved with Donaghy. As approaching any athletes himself would be far to risky and likely end up costing him his job long before it actually did. Let's see the mob approaches these athletes for Donaghy and once said players prove their worth their let in on Danaghy's involvement. Then, when he officiates their games the odds of a successful bet rise dramatically.

But, what about the big boys? The Wade's and McGrady's of the sport. Would any of them even consider taking the chance if they were approached? Maybe. Especially those who came into the league as unheralded late-first and second round picks. Those who were not expected to be superstars but evolved into some of the best players in the league today. Someone like Gilbert Arenas or Micheal Redd. While I don't think either would be the list should this come a fruition. I'd say those circumstances would be the only ones in which the big name players would be involved.

Could the NBA survive player involvement? Depends on what you consider survival. Sure, the league would still be up and running as I don't think anything could ever force it to fold. But, revenue would take a massive dip. Especially in the cities of the players involved. The NBA could potentially end a season in the red. Something none of us would have ever expected. Over time however, the league would rebuild itself to the power that it currently is. It'll never be able to trump baseball or football as far as relevance. But, I don't think anything could knock it out of the top three. No matter how much the fanboys talk about David Beckham.

For me, the biggest question is how this might effect college basketball. Would it hurt the college game as every official on the planet is questioned, and scrutinized more than ever before. Or would it result in a college boom? Created the sudden distrust of the professionals, basketball enthusiasts turn to the amateur game. A game they believe is without controversy. The NCAA Tournament is already among the biggest sporting events of the year. Could it possibly close the gap on the Super Bowl? Probably not. But, I'd have to think it's ratings might double. As the former casual college fan becomes a hardcore junkie after his league (NBA) disappoints him.

The potential results of player involvement would be largely catastrophic. And likely result in NBA boycotting for at least a year or so. As even the hardcore fans are left without trust for anyone who steps onto the floor. Be it officials, players, or even coaches, no one would be trusted. Do you think the league could survive it?

The Top 3 Players Most Likely To Be Involved
3. Luke Walton - Is there a better slap in the face to the Lakers, and daddy? The year before 06-07 Luke averaged just 19.3 minutes a game. Quite a small number in post-Shaq Los Angeles. Who in the hell could have been playing in front of him? Also consider Luke's considerably low 1.4 fouls per game career average. A tiny number for a forward, unless you consider the relative femininity of Walton. Who avoids the paint like the plague. Unless Richard Jefferson's guarding him, of course. I could see Luke jumping at the chance to stick it to LA and Bill over the minutes. Only to regret his decision as they went up this past season. Not to mention the massive contract (6yr/$30 Mill) he'll never live up to that he just signed.

2. J.J. Redick - Between writing poetry and driving under in the influence, J.J. loves to get a bet down. Never mind the fact that the Magic over-drafted the hell out of this guy. But, now J.J. is pissed he's not starting once he returns from a back injury. Much like Walton he accepts a deal to shave points. Shooting horribly every time he steps on the floor. Despite his sick range in college J.J. claims he's having trouble adjusting to the NBA 3-pt line. A legitimate excuse for J.J. does exist however, as he cannot deal with athletic defenders. It was his downfall at Duke, and it may have been in the league as well. I, for one, still think he was shaving points though.

1. Stephen Jackson - As much as I'd have liked to come up with a way to link Ron Artest to this. It's even easier to toss Jackson under the bus. While Jackson is cashing a pretty solid check for a head case ($6.12 Mill) he's got a whole lot of legal fees to pay. If he's picking up a little extra cash on the side, he's free to spend all of his legal earnings on guns and other amenities. I know what your thinking, didn't Jackson get ejected a lot? Sure, he was tossed his fair share. Yet, he only averages 2.5 fouls per game for his career. A little low for some who's generally viewed as referee target. And if Donaghy ever tossed him, I'd imagine it was to keep others off their trail.

Is there anyone you'd expect to be involved that I didn't name?

Scoreboard - July 25th
MLB

National League
Colorado 10, San Diego 2
Philadelphia 7, Washington 5 F/14
Cincinnati 7, Milwaukee 3
New York 6, Pittsburgh 3
Houston 2, Los Angeles 1
Chicago 7, St. Louis 1
Arizona 7, Florida 0
San Francisco 2, Atlanta 1

American League
Toronto 13, Minnesota 1
Los Angeles 7, Oakland 6
Cleveland 1, Boston 0
Baltimore 6, Tampa Bay 1
New York 7, Kansas City 1
Detroit 13, Chicago 9
Texas 7, Seattle 6

Don't forget to submit your stuff to me for linkage by 6-7 A.M. (Eastern) tomorrow morning. That's all for today. See you all tomorrow.