Miller Says NBA Dream is Still Alive

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Tonight's event starts at 6 at Patrick O'Shea's downtown

Tonight J. Bruce Miller will tell a group organized by YPAL that the NBA dream is still alive for this year.

The event starts at 6:00 at Patrick O’Shea’s downtown. In an interview this afternoon, Miller said he’s working on a number of fronts and that he’s optimistic an NBA team could be the home team at Freedom Hall this fall.

Miller said he’s trying to convince the group of  five investors, who he says have committed to Louisville, to come forward and make their identity public in order to fuel energy about the team. The group has a “no-shopping agreement” that prevents them from negotiating with another city.

“Part of my job is to make sure the investors stay where they are,” he said. “They’re rich enough to buy the whole league. The challenge is maintaining their interest level.”

Miller says he’s been in touch by email with league officials, and has even talked with five current NBA owners in recent weeks. But he said the league is preoccupied with the collective bargaining agreement being negotiated with the players association. Similar to the issue that’s gotten plenty of media attention for the NFL, Miller said if it wasn’t for that monster issue, the franchise movement issue would be the biggest concern of the league.

And he said the April 18 deadline for franchises to announce their intention to move is not a factor. “The league owns New Orleans,” he said. “Who would the NBA apply to to transfer? Plus, there are other teams available as well.”

Tonight’s event: “Why not Louisville: The NBA and Louisville”is at Patrick O’Shea’s, starting at 6.  Miller is thrilled to be speaking to a group of enthusiasts for the NBA. And he is likely to give them all some hope.