Hoops Habit
Fansided

Los Angeles Clippers: Is Steve Ballmer The Man With The Golden Check?

By Adam McGee

Feb 13, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and wife Rochelle Sterling (Shelly Sterling) react during the game against the Houston Rockets at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and wife Rochelle Sterling (Shelly Sterling) react during the game against the Houston Rockets at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks owner Herb Kohl prior to the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 131-102. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks owner Herb Kohl prior to the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 131-102. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

It may sound slightly cheesy and clichéd, but NBA teams genuinely do tend to become focal points within their community. As a league, the NBA loves to promote its spirit, and caring image, which in itself is part of the reason why they acted so swiftly in punishing Sterling’s racist remarks.

The connection between a team and their community is something that might often be overlooked, but it’s a vital component of the smooth running of a team. Of course all fan bases crave success, but it’s important that there’s a firm relationship in place with a team’s supporters for when tougher times inevitably come.

The more active a team is amongst their own people, the more popular it will likely become. This is important for revenue from tickets and merchandise, creating an environment that top players will want to be a part of, and for generating noise to push a team over the line when it matters.

Herb Kohl, who recently sold the Milwaukee Bucks, may not have had the greatest success with his franchise on the court during his 29-year reign, but his off the court actions could create an even greater legacy. Kohl was always known for being a generous man, who held a close bond with the people of his native Milwaukee, but his actions upon leaving the organization were extraordinary.

To ensure that the Bucks can build the new arena necessary for the team to stay in Milwaukee, Kohl has contributed $100 million of his own money to the organization’s new owners. In the past few days further news of Kohl’s good deeds emerged, as it came to light that as a parting gift he had sent every employee within the organization a personal check for $500.

The Bucks were the worst team in the NBA this season, but Kohl’s generosity is guaranteed to drum up increased support and fondness for the team locally over the coming years.

The importance of the fans perception shouldn’t be underestimated, as they can help drive a team to success.

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