Does anyone still follow the NBA?

[Bona Drag]

I mean, I do, but I keep hearing no one else does. Anyway, the playoffs are almost upon us, there are subplots galore, and depending on who makes it the Western Conference finals could be one of the best series in recent history.

I'll kick things off by noting that Duncan's ejection today was an absolute joke, but it does not bode well for the Mavs that they struggled to beat the Spurs at home with TD out for the entire fourth quarter.

Anyone else out there still care?

 

[skalogre]

NBA? Is Larry Bird still with the Celtics? Anyone remember that old DOS game?

I guess that means I don't...

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Unfortunately yes, even though it's basically degenerated into a near unwatchable puddle. Although the Dallas/Spurs game today was pretty hot.

 

[Stazy]

If Americans don't follow the NHL or NBA what sport do they watch during the winter?

 

[Joffrey]

Man, I used to be the biggest NBA fan growing up, but since the lock out I really couldn't care less. I went to my first game the other day and watched the wizards blow a 16 point lead to barely win against the Toronto raptors in like 4 minutes. Anyway, I pay some attention to whats going on, but I don't have anywhere near the knowledge of the sport and the players Like I once did.

 

[countdemoney]

I'll watch Shaq get another ring, but other than that, why would you watch the NBA?

They really need to shortne the season and/or expand the rosters. The better players are completely wrung out during long stretches of the season and too many teams get into the playoffs.

IMO, if your goal is winning the title, you are much better off to have your stars sit out (for injury, for other issues) 1/3-1/2 the season to be ready for the playoffs.

It would also help if they had new officials who actually called the game correctly. The games border on being rigged. I have often thought about going to Las Vegas, puting down a legal wager in a large amount, and then suing the NBA over the never ending bogus calls and non-calls.

You can trace the ruin of the NBA to the Jordan rules and the Madonna of basketball.

 

[montecristo#4]

Originally Posted by Stazy

If Americans don't follow the NHL or NBA what sport do they watch during the winter?

Appreciation.... An answer so simple
There is no need to break out
Masterful haiku

 

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by Stazy

If Americans don't follow the NHL or NBA what sport do they watch during the winter?

We watch football and talk about baseball

I can't watch basketball never have most likely never will, my buddy and I went to a couple of Celtics games last year for $10 and I was bored out of my mind. I've never been into final four or any of that, just not in me.

Sucks about hockey though, that lost year really did some damage, I used to love hockey and used to go to games all the time, still think college hockey is best.

 

[Homme]

Originally Posted by skalogre

NBA? Is Larry Bird still with the Celtics? Anyone remember that old DOS game?

I guess that means I don't...

Lakers vs Celtics.... Had Jordan, Bird, Wilkins etc. Used to play it on my 286

 

[skalogre]

Originally Posted by Homme

Lakers vs Celtics.... Had Jordan, Bird, Wilkins etc. Used to play it on my 286

OOOH YA!

That is the one! Loved the fact that you could make out those huge goggle glasses on some players...

 

[jpeirpont]

Originally Posted by skalogre

OOOH YA!

That is the one! Loved the fact that you could make out those huge goggle glasses on some players...


I still like basketball its certainly much declined from the 80's and 90's, but Kobe, Lebron, Wade, Nash , Dirk and quite few others still put on good shows. My only probably is it is hard to be excited about teams, none seem exciting.

 

[Violinist]

Originally Posted by Jodum5

Man, I used to be the biggest NBA fan growing up, but since the lock out I really couldn't care less. I went to my first game the other day and watched the wizards blow a 16 point lead to barely win against the Toronto raptors in like 4 minutes. Anyway, I pay some attention to whats going on, but I don't have anywhere near the knowledge of the sport and the players Like I once did.

That's the same situation as me, but it's not so much because I think the game has declined. I wasn't exactly aware of that.

 

[Confucius]

I can't exactly put my finger on what it is that stopped me watching basketball.

I was a mad ball fan growing up and the Bulls vs. Jazz finals series in the mid(?) 90s were the best. I miss those days. Now I just don't find the NBA interesting.

Egos too big maybe?

 

[Stu]

The point about uninteresting teams is spot on. Also, there are no interesting rivalries. Remember those great Pacers-Knicks playoffs games of teh '90s. Reggie Miller shooting daggers right in front of Spike Lee as Spike taunted him?

Classic stuff. I think a lot of likeable players have moved on too, guys like AC Green, Mark Jackson, Reggie Miller, Pat Ewing, Karl Malone, Stockton. Those guys were great players and respected the game. I really don't find today's players very likeable.

 

[Confucius]

Originally Posted by Stu

The point about uninteresting teams is spot on. Also, there are no interesting rivalries. Remember those great Pacers-Knicks playoffs games of teh '90s. Reggie Miller shooting daggers right in front of Spike Lee as Spike taunted him?

I think that's spot on. No more Barkley vs. Jordan vs. Miller vs. Malone and Stockton, no more Olajuwon vs. Shaq. Mourning vs. Shaq. The list goes on. In that era the players really could be looked up to and be 'heroes' to kids. Nowadays I just can't see any current players being that sort of person - Tim Duncan maybe?