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Post by zcr57 on Dec 2, 2010 17:57:09 GMT -5
Greg Willard (Crew Chief)
Kane Fitzgerald
Zach Zarba
Nothing against these 3 officials, but I'm VERY surprised that the NBA didn't assign at least one other vet like Dan Crawford, Scott Foster, Steve Javie, or even Bill Kennedy to this game. With the circumstances that the game will be played under, it could get really ugly. I hope Willard, Fitzgerald, and Zarba are prepared...
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Post by howard63 on Dec 2, 2010 19:42:31 GMT -5
I was expecting to see Joey Crawford or someone of that ilk. That is a young crew to put in such a potentially volatile situation.
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Post by FredFan7 on Dec 2, 2010 20:28:10 GMT -5
It could be those officials' chances to shine.
In the late 50s and early 60s the NBA would pair an experienced official (Drucker, Rudolph, Borgia) with a younger official (Strom, Powers, or Gushue) on each game. Well, one night there wasn't an experienced official available to go to Syracuse for a game between the Nats and the Celtics - always guaranteed for a few technicals and probably a fight. According to Strom's book, the league had no choice but to send Powers and Strom to Syracuse and "hold their breath." Strom and Powers worked a great game together and it helped raise their profile in the league until they were soon working deep into the playoffs and Championship rounds.
This is the officials' chance to shine.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2010 21:07:51 GMT -5
these 3 seem to be doing well, i dont watch much nba though. i'd love lebron to get a double-triple-double with 23 pts, boards and assists. i know its highly unlikely, but it'd be great
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Post by impz45 on Dec 2, 2010 23:04:55 GMT -5
The NBA has mixed up Ref assignments the past few years giving some younger officials and chance to develop and receive big pushes. (Monty McCutcheon, Scott Foster, Bill Kennedy, Marc Davis). Bill Kennedy was the only non- full-time crew chief to reach last years finals.
As fans we always look for the current Big 3 to lead the crew, Javie, D. Crawford and J. Crawford. Years ago, (late 80's into mid-90's) when there was the Crew Chief, Referee and Umpire designation, the league assigned a regular crew chief to Crew Chief, a part time Crew Chief to Referee position and a regular referee to the Umpire position for all high profile nationally televised games. This is no longer done with the inception of all cable outlets. multiple games.
Two of the 3 officials are Playoff Refs for tonight's game. They may not be high profile, but they are very capable. Greg Willard has been around 20 plus years is a very good official. He has flown under the radar for years and is very well respected amongst his peers. Belatedly, and well deserved in going to Finals last year.
Zach Zarba is an up and coming official who ws used in The Crew Chief position in pre-season and has been to the playoffs. He appears to be in line to receive a "push" with the expected retirements of Bavetta, Crawford, Javie, Salvatore, Delaney, and possible Mark Wunderlich (have not seen him or Salvatore work yet this year).
Kane Fitzgerald is a very young second year official. League must think highly to allow a second year official change numbers so early in career, 77 to 35.
Hopefully, all went well.
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