DUMB-O-METER
Gauging Franchise Intelligence in 2008 - 09
This device was inspired by political writer and baseball fan George Will who once characterized George Steinbrenner as a “dumb-o-meter.” Writing in the 1980s, he said the best advice he could give to any club would be to watch what the New York Yankees owner did and then do the opposite. Many franchise histories feature owners and general managers who deserve the appellation of “dumb” or “dumber.”
With 31 championships to their collective credit in 62 years of NBA play, however, the Celtics and Lakers have proved to be notable exceptions to this generalization, at least until recently. Even Rick Pitino, who can be graded no better than ‘neutral’ for his stint as Celtics president and head coach, drafted some good players, including Paul Pierce.