Firing Line
Men Of Vision
By Ellis G. Cannon
Publisher, Pittsburgh Sports Report
ESPN Radio 1250 Talk Show Host

"He sees everything differently than everybody else, particularly at such a young age. That's his biggest asset. What he sees out there is different than what most guys see. He has the vision of a passer, the vision of a shooter and the vision of a defensive player, all in one. He's sees life from a different angle than everybody else. That's why he's so exciting. He's a brand model for the other stars to copy." [Austin Carr, Ex-Cleveland Cavalier, #1 Selection, 1971 NBA Draft]

Austin Carr spent nine seasons with the Cavs, so it shouldn't shock you he was quoted by CBS.Sportsline.com talking about LeBron James.

Remember when that was being said about Mario Lemieux?

OK, maybe not the defensive part.

Mario saw things differently on the ice, just as LeBron does on the court. That gift separates the good from the great. It served Mario well. Perhaps it will again. In the meantime, with so much of the Pens' future out of their control, support dwindling and wins rare, Mario must have a vision LeBron hopes to never face: one of survival.

We've called this season a mulligan for the Penguins.After years of hearing their system wasn't developing players, this season marked the time to evaluate as many young guys as possible. Not just sheer volume of players, but also roles and responsibilities. Granted, the organization didn't have many alternatives if they wanted to sport a team, considering it couldn't handle the sport's financial changes and had to systematically dismantle their star system.

To lowered expectations, add into the equation the uncertainty of league play next season, and the Pens were given an opportunity to see exactly where they stood. To see how the Pens draw crowds these days, however, is to question whether fans have come to terms with the reality of the situation, or if the organization has lived up to its end of the deal.

Of course, for there to be hope beyond that requires the moon and stars to align almost perfectly. The economy and political climate must improve to the point where funding of a new arena is palatable for both politicians and the electorate. Still, the league must first resolve so many complex labor issues at such a reassuring level that those same fans and politicos have to believe such an investment is worthwhile.

In these times, the Pens can only rely on their most trusted fans. Forget the throngs who claimed a few short years ago to be ardent enthusiasts. They're nowhere to be found. Those fans showed because of the buzz, nothing more. They've found new hobbies to occupy their time. That's nothing new, look around other pro sports markets. Winning draws; mulligans don't.

Unfortunately, the Pens don't have the same margin for error in their misses, on or off the ice, they once had. It's easy for us to fondly remember the days when we and a few thousand of our best friends would go to games and yell insults across the arena to each other. Those are good memories. Knowing what is at risk for the organization and city now, however, any resurrection of those same scenes is dangerous.

Just as it is to hope that anything short of resolving the many issues surrounding the team and game will salvage the situation. To do so would be poor vision.

"Ellis Cannon's Sportsline Pittsburgh" airs weeknights, 6-8 p.m. on FM NewsTalk 104.7. Ellis is also a regular contributor on the "#1 Cochran Sports Showdown", aired Sundays at 11:35 on KDKA-TV.