The NBA suffered through a rough patch in the post-Jordan era that ended around 1998. Ten years ago, a draft filled with superstars brought the league's excitement and ratings back up. This class included Miami's Big 3 of James, Wade, and Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, and Tayshaun Prince. Another big three formed in Boston in the summer of 2007, soldifying the league's revival and assuring that the Western Conference wasn't going to dominate.
Then Miami formed their big 3 and recently won their second straight championship. Before that, the one and done rule came into effect, meaning you had to go to college for at least one year before going to the pros.
Yes this all sounds exciting but this year is where things started getting stale and predictable. The Heat have been title or bust for three years now. The league needed ratings, people in the front office needed to get paid. All of this happened, especially thanks to Miami playing two back to back seven game series. David Stern is laughing his way to the bank. He had to create a good matchup, the team built for a dynasty, and a classic powerhouse in the Spurs. A matchup made in Heaven.
Yes the NBA is a business. However, knowing how the end result is going to be is hardly worth tuning in for.
It seems David Stern feeds off of dynasties and fair weather fans, as I mentioned in a previous blog. It was the Bulls in the 90s, the Lakers and the Spurs for a little while, and now the Miami Heat.
The NBA has gained such power and control rapper Jay-Z used halftime of Game 5 to announce his new album release "Magna Carta Holy Grail."
The one and done rule is to blame as well. Players aren't staying in school long enough, ruining college basketball. The NFL and MLB are also driven by money, but at least they require a student athlete to stay in school for three years. The NBA controls basketball at basically every level, from fanbase to styles and fads, and even gameplay and strategy.
It's all about the money, from GMs, coaches and players alike. They are all paid well for their efforts, and can't seem to get enough money.
The players definitely deserve their salaries, that was part of the agreement made during last season's lockout. However, the fans invest good money and time in watching games, tickets, and team merchandise. They deserve competitive, exciting ball.
I'm sure many would like to see different challengers win more, like the Thunder, Clippers, Grizzlies and Pacers are doing. However, love or hate LeBron, but seeing him and the Heat (or any team) continue to win and dominate is quite boring after a while.
Pretty soon fans will wake up and realize this. Then David Stern and company will need another plan to effectively market the league and make it more competitive.
Realistically, the NBA may never be the same again. It may get worse as ownership and players get greedier for money and accolades. It's always good to hope though.
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