They are. Stern is easily the most "combative" commish. No one should ever question anything the NBA does in his mind. Rome built his career on "stirring the pot". I'm sure he knew Stern wasn't going to say "Yeah, the lottery is fixed" so he was seeking a reaction. Victory to Rome. He's the Madonna of sports talk show hosts. Finds a way to keep himself relevant.
I wouldn't. But, if he could play some D, he'd be a respectable reserve. D and PR. As he is, he's a poor hitting LF.