Stern should cede control of Hornets

The NBA’s ownership of the New Orleans Hornets is a noble gesture that served its purpose — and outlived its usefulness.

Commissioner David Stern and the league deserve credit for buying the team 14 months ago to maximize its chances of staying in Louisiana long term. Stern, who befriended New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, understood the potential damage to the area’s economy, psyche and image that the Hornets’ departure would inflict even five-plus years after the storm.

So with former owner George Shinn so eager to sell the franchise to someone with deep pockets as quickly as possible — even if it meant selling to someone with wandering eyes — Stern stepped in saved the franchise for this area.

Stern’s move — highly unusual but not unprecedented — was criticized by many who questioned the wisdom of the man who runs the league, and the other 29 owners, acting as owner of one of the partners as well as one of the competitors.

But prospective buyer willing to take a leap of faith — one costing in the neighborhood of $300 million — on a relatively weak basketball market still rebuilding, wasn’t likely to take that leap with two other major concerns — the impending expiration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and that of the contract of All-Star guard Chris Paul.

Roughly a year after the sale, a new CBA was in place, letting every potential buyer know exactly what its impact would be on the Hornets.

Shortly thereafter Paul made it clear he intended to become an unrestricted free agent after this season and sign elsewhere without the Hornets getting any compensation, unless they traded him. So they did.

It has been clear for several weeks what this franchise is worth to a potential buyer. The impediments to a sale have expired, and it becomes clearer each day that the noble ends are no longer being justified by the questionable means.

The awkward, head-scratching cancellation of the first Paul trade, and the questionable second one raised suspicions about Stern’s motives as he tries to look out for the best interests of all 30 teams and just one of them simultaneously.

The inability to sign Eric Gordon — the key player in the second Paul trade — to a long-term deal (though that could still happen) and the bizarre move to leave Chris Kaman — one of few quality veterans currently healthy — on his own while a trade for him was negotiated, then bringing him back raises questions about this franchise’s leadership.

With general manager Dell Demps, president Hugh Weber and Stern-appointed liaison Jac Sperling all reporting to Stern there is no clear accountability or unified voice in the front office.

You did a good thing 14 months ago, Mr. Stern, but it’s time for closure.

Finalize a deal with a buyer who will sign a long-term lease with the state, and go back to being full-time commissioner.