Witness… The problems with the NBA!
Oh let me count the ways:
Media
The media has taken control of the NBA and because they can only increase profits through hype they continue to drive the NBA right into the ground. Year after year they choose a player to hype only to be let down. Hardcore fans are always going to watch but the casual fan is what the NBA needs to make the Playoffs and the Finals profitable. The media would rather promote exactly what the highly prized casual TV fans are tired of seeing. Thugs, big mouths and criminals! Just look at what it’s done for the NFL, need I say anymore. Why not choose a player and a team that has already proven itself! Because the media decided years ago that the unassuming Tim Duncan is boring they can’t promote the Spurs. Shame on the media! The Spurs are exactly what the casual fans would love to embrace. Talent, athletic ability and hard work; sure they play defense but you have speed and agility, shooting, tough play in the lane and the wild and crazy moves of Manu “Crazy legs” Ginobili. Nothing to see here! The bad news is that you are not going to read or see these guys in the national media or see these guy mug shots in the crime pages.
I don’t know about anyone else but I’m already tired of the LeBron James media hype. Why is this kid anointed as the savior of the NBA? I understand that “King” James has an overwhelming wealth of talent and has put in the hard work necessary to assume the throne. But what has he done to deserve that title? He has become the leader of the Cavs and has done everything it takes to make to the NBA Finals! He has put the Cavs on his back when he had to and helped to make other members of the team better. He has willed his way to the top and deserves credit for all that hard work and effort. But until he wins something I’m not quite ready to crown him!
NBA Staff
The NBA has embraced exactly what the media told them they had to have and it’s rewarded them with fans losing interest in the game. Sure TNT has drama but the NBA has chosen to manufacture drama instead of letting what we all know is a fantastic game create its own drama. I call it selling out! Change the rules to punish teams that play defense and reward teams that play only offense. The only problem with that is that San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is smarter than NBA Commissioner David Stern. Pop has built a team that not only has adapted to the rules but has stood the test of time. I’m sure he would give most of the credit to having the NBA’s best power forward ever and I believe one of the ten best of all time!
NBA Refs Suck
Maybe NBA Staff and Referees should be categorized together because they orchestrate the game together but with growing fan discontent with the referees they deserve a category all their own! I’m no conspiracy theorist and don’t believe refs intentionally decide the winners. But I do believe they know what is expected from them. Close games are a requirement because sponsors need to know that commercials purchased at the end of games will have value. I game that is over in the first half has no viewers at the end of the game. So referees will always give a team that is getting destroyed an opportunity to get back in the game. I’ve had many conversations with referees from all forms of basketball. They all try to convince me that it’s hard to control the game but all you have to do is watch a game to know that a well placed call or momentum halting call gives the opposing team an opportunity to get back in the game. I’m not buying what they are selling and neither are the fans.
Gregg
6/6/07