I've pretty much stopped watching pro basketball since the turn of the century. But i have been watching the playoffs this year with all the Kobe vs. LeBron hype. And by watching the playoffs, i see why i don't watch anymore. The NBA is not at all what it used to be. The product on the court is not good at all. The talent in the league is not nearly as good as it was back in the 80s and 90s. Back in the day, some players coming off the bench were good enough to be starters. Now, some starters aren't good enough to be bench players. I think the worst part about the NBA now is the coaching. How Mike Brown and Stan Van Gundy have jobs is beyond me. It's so bad now that Paul Westphal is now returning to the league next year. Phil Jackson is loving it right now, cause he really doesn't have to coach. He knows the idiot on the other bench will coach his team out of a victory, like game 4 thursday night. Phil probably tells his team that no matter how bad we play, the other team will meltdown at the end so just be patient. That was cleary the case in game 4. That being said, can football season please get here already!
Im pretty sure Manu Ginobili and Jason Terry would never have thought about coming off of the bench back then. Its a different game now. I suspect the older crowd wont like it as much and I think it will be better once they adapt more of the international rules.
I had season tickets to support New Orleans and the Hornets but didn't renew this season and didn't attend any games. I got tired of the Hip Hop music blasting away and listening to unaccompanied kids yelling and cursing in/around the arena. The play on the court isn't what it used to be. What I learned was a trip is now a charge. Punching a guy is acceptable but tapping a "star" player gets you ejected and a fine. The officiating is not fair and walking means you took at least 20 steps...unless you're a "star" then you can walk all night. There are too many thugs in the league and they play too many games to keep me interested. They also make too damn much money but I don't hear Obama wanting to take their money. Surprise! I hate to see the Lakers win it but I'm glad it's almost over. I can't believe they're trying to make Kobe Bryant more than he is. The guy is a great player but he's NOT a role model, NOT a class act, NOT a team player, and NOT a nice guy. I'm glad we don't see him often due to his affair/rape charge/attitude/payoff/etc. I hope they keep it that way. My kids now know him by sight and immediately know he's a dirtbag.
I agree with all of the above posts. I used to be a big NBA fan, but refuse to watch thug ball these days.
Definitely not what it use to be as far as overall talent. But the thug talk is a reach, their are thugs in football, baseball and hockey. Their not losing anything just because you guys wont watch. Their are some incredible players in the league today, just not as many. If you look to a basketball/football/baseball player to be a role model that =fail for you. These people are human, just like anyone else. Some are spoiled, criminal, and egotistical. But most of these guys are good people. I know some of that from first hand experience.
:hihi: It's not just the players though. It's the atmosphere, the music (if you can call it that) they play in the arena, the criminals in the crowd, the ticket prices, and the fact that the NBA continues to highlight a handful of teams that turned me away. It's just not a quality product or value compared to many other sports.
I have no problem with the music, alot of people like it or they wouldnt come.(ok some of the music played is crap) There are criminals at every sporting event. I have been to professional football games where so many fights have been started. You ever been to an Eagles game, Cowboys game. They fight so much, get drunk, and curse around kids the entire game. But I guess because they dont play hip hop music as much as the NBA you are ok with that. Whats your real motive here? I agree with you how the promote certain players and certain teams, that part is disgusting to me. See we agree on something here.
