David Stern told John Reid of The Times Picayune that he would support the Hornets' decision to change their name to the Pelicans, a move that's expected but not yet finalized, as we passed along earlier today. The commissioner spoke at length with Reid and touched on more issues related to the New Orleans franchise, which the league owned before Tom Benson bought it earlier this year. We've rounded up the highlights of his talk here.
- Stern said he hopes the NBA doesn't have to take over another franchise. "That’s not a situation that is good for the league," he said. "But in the right circumstance I would do it again because when you make the commitment to the community, you’ve got to do what you got to do."
- Stern gave his thoughts on how the trade he approved for the team last year, sending Chris Paul to the Clippers, is working out for the Hornets. "I wish Eric (Gordon) was a little healthier," he said. "But I would say is that you got a good draft pick, we got a couple of few good, good players and I think Al-Farouq Aminu is playing well. I think Anthony Davis is going to be what everyone predicts for him. I’m hoping Eric Gordon comes back healthy. The team is in good shape and they have an enormous amount of cap room."
- The commissioner isn't concerned about lagging attendance in New Orleans, believing it will pick up once the team starts to put together some wins.