Harlem Globetrotters to Adam Silver: Make us an NBA franchise now

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/harlem-globetrotters-to-adam-silver-make-us-an-nba-franchise-now-143014703.html



Harlem Globetrotters to Adam Silver: Make us an NBA franchise now



Chris Cwik

Tue, June 22, 2021, 7:30 AM



For nearly a century, the Harlem Globetrotters have existed alongside the NBA. While both products are viewed differently, there's no doubt the Globetrotters have had an impact and influence on the league and its players.

The Globetrotters wants the NBA to acknowledge that connection, telling NBA commissioner Adam Silver it is time for the NBA to make the Globetrotters an official NBA franchise.

The team wrote a letter to the league Tuesday, explaining why Silver should grant the move.

The letter credits the Globetrotters with bringing "the street game inside." It also notes that when the NBA decided to integrate, the league took players from the Globetrotters instead of making the team an NBA franchise. It also points out the international reach of the Globetrotters. The team has played in 122 countries, helping introduce the world to basketball.

The letter then states that the NBA can no longer ignore the Globetrotters before telling Silver it is time to make the team an NBA franchise.

"So, if you really believe what you've been saying about social justice, going back to “normal” needs to look different. You can't just act like we don't exist anymore. It's time to right the wrongs and rewrite history. It's time for the NBA to honor what the Globetrotters have done for OUR sport, both here in the U.S. and around the globe.

"Based on what we've already proven, we can field a team of talent on par with the pros of today, and we want the chance to do that. As a world renowned and legendary professional basketball team, we petition Commissioner Adam Silver, the NBA governors and the powers that be to grant The Original Harlem Globetrotters an NBA franchise. Not now, but right now!"

The Globetrotters have faced off against an NBA team twice. The team played the Minnesota Lakers in 1948 and 1949, before the NBA was integrated. The Globetrotters won both games against the Lakers, who won the NBA championship in 1949.


The Harlem Globetrotters want recognition from the NBA. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


Will Silver make Globetrotters an NBA franchise?

Asking Silver to make the Globetrotters an NBA franchise is a big request, and likely not one that can be granted immediately. There's no indication the NBA is looking to add another team in the offseason.

In the future, however, the Globetrotters make an interesting case for being considered. The team undoubtedly has a history with the NBA, and its influence on the league can't be denied.

If and when the NBA decides it is time to add more teams, Silver will have to consider the impact the Globetrotters have had on the NBA.


Bob
MY NOTE:  The Harlem Globetrotters asking to become an NBA franchise is like Weird Al Yankovic asking the Metropolitan Opera to list him as one of their tenors.


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Bobh,

You got me on the Weird Al comment. Very funny. DID NOT see that coming!!

db

There will be no special carve out to create a new NBA franchise.

The globetrotters have a very interesting history.

They have been an entertaining act for a long time but we sometimes overlook the fact that many of the players over the years are very skilled basketball players.  Many could have played in the NBA and some did like our very own Chuck Cooper.

The memories that seem indelible in our minds are filled with fake buckets of water but that memory overlooks why the team came into being.  I remember when the Celtics used to have double headers at the Gardens on a Sunday afternoon and the Globetrotters would beat the Washington Nationals...again and then the Celtics would come on. I remember thinking that those Globetrotter players could be playing in the NBA.

Ktron wrote:

dboss wrote:There will be no special carve out to create a new NBA franchise.

The globetrotters have a very interesting history.

They have been an entertaining act for a long time but we sometimes overlook the fact that many of the players over the years are very skilled basketball players.  Many could have played in the NBA and some did like our very own Chuck Cooper.

The memories that seem indelible in our minds are filled with fake buckets of water but that memory overlooks why the team came into being.  I remember when the Celtics used to have double headers at the Gardens on a Sunday afternoon and the Globetrotters would beat the Washington Nationals...again and then the Celtics would come on. I remember thinking that those Globetrotter players could be playing in the NBA.

I read a story where they said some NBA owners back then were told by Abe Saperstein that if they tried to draft any of his players he would boycott that team. Back then the Globetrotters always filled the arenas.
Red Auerbach didn’t give a s**t. He drafted Chuck Cooper and then he and Walter Brown banned the Globetrotters from Boston Garden

OMG that Red was some tough son of a bit.h, I mean this in a complimentary respectful way Lol. Gotta love it!!