169: I seem to have said this to someone else too (Vote for monthly pass!)

"What would happen if this rule really passed? Mr. DeVos and I would certainly do our best to avoid the luxury tax. Of course, discussing these matters now is still premature. We'll delve into these details only if the league's basketball-related income used for paying player salaries exceeded the agreed-upon 48% next year, thereby triggering labor negotiations," he said.

Roger didn't know how to evaluate the situation. John Gabriel and the team had already made their stance clear through this interview: They were not going to pay the luxury tax.

Although the luxury tax rule wouldn't be implemented until the '98-'99 season, the day would inevitably come.

By then, everyone would have to face a very real question: Can you win a championship without paying the luxury tax?

Of course, you can.

But since the introduction of the luxury tax rule, only the Spurs have really managed to achieve that.