NBA Popularity: A Growing Phenomenon

by Pat Gunther

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With another NBA All-Star Game in the books, the second half of the season looks promising. An incredible weekend in Los Angeles drew millions of viewers, something that is now a trend in the NBA. With increasing numbers in viewers and merchandise sales, the NBA is becoming one of the world’s premier forms of entertainment.

After a decade of poor ratings, character issues and boring games, the NBA is recently enjoying the success it did throughout the 1980’s. Players such as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird captured the interest of basketball fans everywhere, while a young Michael Jordan amazed fans with his high-flying acrobatic slam dunks and competitiveness that could not be matched. The 1980’s and 1990’s provided the NBA with television ratings and popularity that has yet to be matched.

The 1998 NBA Finals were the highest rated in history, an interest that quickly waned in the coming years. In the early 2000’s, the NBA took a turn for the worse. Character issues and overpaid busts plagued the league for the better half of a decade. After nearly eight years of low ratings and boring NBA finals, the 2007 off-season was interesting for several reasons. Rookies like Kevin Durant and Al Horford would become the faces of their respective franchises in the years to come, while trades allowed the Boston Celtics to become a perennial powerhouse after years of irrelevancy.  The acquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen gave the league’s oldest team toughness and mass appeal.

As the 2007-2008 regular seasons began, the Celtics and Lakers were once again among the NBA’s top teams. On February 1, 2008 the Lakers acquired a player that would put them into the league’s upper echelon. All-Star Power Forward Pau Gasol gave Los Angeles the opportunity to reach the NBA finals against their hated rival the Boston Celtics. That season’s NBA Finals were the highest rated since 2004, and drastically improved the popularity of the NBA.

After a Celtics victory and return to prominence in 2008, the Lakers made a run at the Finals for the next two years. Both teams’ dominance in the past drastically improved the popularity of professional basketball, not only in America, but also across the globe.

Young blood Kevin Durant

As the 2010-2011 NBA season began, the Miami Heat’s big three of LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade, the return of Kevin Garnett and the potential of a third consecutive Lakers championship were among the NBA’s most interesting stories. Rivalries such as the Bulls and Celtics were rekindled with the stellar play of Bulls’ star Derrick Rose and the Celtics’ Eastern Conference dominance. The Miami Heat’s Big Three entertained, and infuriated fans with their impressive play.

In mid February, the All-Star festivities rolled around as they do every year. This year, however, was different than the All-Star Games of the past decade. Millions of viewers tuned in as Kobe Bryant captured his fourth All-Star Game MVP in his hometown of Los Angeles.

The increasing success of NBA All-Star events and regular season games shows just how popular the association is getting. With young super-stars such as Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, and LeBron James, the NBA will be reaping the benefits of high merchandise sales, record highs in Nielsen Ratings (a system television shows use to determine ratings) and increases in attendance.

If you are not an NBA fan yet, watch at least one playoff game this season, and you will find out why the NBA is quickly gaining ground as one of the world’s premier forms of athletic entertainment.

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Pictures from:

2010-2011 NBA Preview

by Pat Gunther

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With the NBA season upon us, there are many new factors that will make for an exciting and entertaining year. The Big Three in Miami, the up and coming teams, and defending champion Lakers have all made for exciting off-season news. With only six days left, it’s time for my predictions for the 2010-2011 NBA season.

MVP- Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder

Durant is coming off an extremely impressive season averaging 30.1 points per game. Although this may be a popular pick for MVP, but with good reason. Kevin Durant is one of the most electrifying players in the league. Standing at six foot eleven, Durant moves with the quickness of a point guard, and can shoot the ball like very few can. This rare combination of skills has never been seen before.

Defensive Player of the Year- Ron Artest, SF, Los Angeles Lakers

After an amazing season, Artest still has something to prove. Although Artest was snubbed from first team all defensive last year, he still has the shut down ability that he is known for. Some may say Artest is aging, and possibly losing a step but, in my opinion he is still one of the best if not the top perimeter defenders in the NBA. Artest shut down Kevin Durant (my MVP pick and leagues leading scorer last season) in the first round of the playoffs last season. Artest silenced every team’s main scorer including Paul Pierce in the NBA finals. Artest is poised for another great defensive season.

Most Improved Player- Raymond Felton, PG, New York Knicks

Felton is coming off of an impressive season, averaging almost ten points a game while leading the Bobcats to the playoffs. In the summer, Felton was traded to the New York Knicks, a perennial bottom feeder in the East. With the addition of big man Amar’e Stoudemire, be sure to see Felton’s numbers increase. Using the pick and roll with Stoudemire could be a huge advantage for Felton as far as assists go. When teams catch on to the pick and roll, however, Felton could capitalize on wide open shots and looks at the basket.

Rookie of the Year- Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin is coming off of surgery on his ACL, which caused him to miss all of last season. Griffin is the overwhelming pick for this award this year rightfully so. In the preseason, Blake looks like the best player on a Clippers team with proven players such as Chris Kaman and Baron Davis. Griffin can rebound like no other rookie, and is already one of the top ten power forwards in basketball. If Blake Griffin lives up to the hype he’s received, there’s no telling where he can end up at the end of his career.

Although winning these awards is always a plus, none of it matters come playoff time. The defending champion Lakers look to win their third title in a row, while the super-power Miami Heat look to help LeBron James and Chris Bosh win their first rings. The playoffs are never guaranteed, but experience and talent definitely help down the stretch.

Western Conference Seeding

1. Los Angeles Lakers

In a diluted western conference, the Lakers appear to be unmatched yet again. Although Dallas is arguably the second best team in the west, they are no match for LA. Coming off back-to-back titles, Kobe Bryant and co. are willing to defend their title at any cost.

2. Dallas Mavericks

Although the up-and-coming Thunder could take this spot, the Dallas Mavericks experience and talent will propel them to the two seed. Dirk Nowitzki is still one of the best players in the league, while the addition of Tyson Chandler adds defensive prowess and toughness to the Mavs.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant and the young Thunder team can definitely take the three or even the two seed. The Thunder is emerging as one of the premier teams in the league, even though their oldest player (veteran Morris Peterson) is only thirty three years old. Oklahoma City big man Serge Ibaka played very well in the playoffs last year against the Lakers, and should be an X-factor down the stretch this season.

4. Portland Trail Blazers

Shooting guard Brandon Roy was injured in early April of last year, causing him to miss the remainder of last season. With Roy back in action, the Trail Blazers could be a real contender in the west. Center LaMarcus Aldridge showed flashes of brilliance last season, and if he can play on a consistent basis the Blazers could be dangerous.

5. Utah Jazz

The Jazz finished fifth in the west last season, and have made some improvements over the summer. The addition of center Al Jefferson gives the Jazz a dominant inside scorer, while Raja Bell helps them tremendously on perimeter defense. Deron Williams is arguably the best Point Guard in the league and will lead the Jazz back to the playoffs.

6. San Antonio Spurs

The aging Spurs have had some problems in the past years. Tim Duncan is still one of the league’s best big men even though he is well past his prime. Manu Ginobili contemplated retirement this off-season, but ultimately decided to come back for one more year. Manu will remain a productive bench player, and second year center DeJuan Blair will play a much larger role this season.

7. Houston Rockets

The Rockets made the playoffs last year, despite losing center Yao Ming for the entire season. With Ming back, the Rockets can clinch the seven seed this season with ease. Point Guard Aaron Brooks is an emerging star, who can pose serious problems for multiple defenses.

8. Denver Nuggets

Star forward Carmelo Anthony has caused some controversy over the off-season. The trade to the Nets fell through, and Carmelo remains in Denver. Anthony has been injury prone the past few seasons, and an aging Chauncey Billups is not as effective as he used to be. Despite the Nugget’s problems, they can still make a run for the playoffs.

Eastern Conference Seeding

1. Miami Heat

The Heat have made noise this summer, having possibly the biggest offseason in the history of sports. With the addition of LeBron James and Chris Bosh, the Heat have jumped from a four or five seed to the number one seed in the east. Everyone is picking the Heat to win the east and possibly the NBA championship. Only time will tell how the Heat fare.

2. Orlando Magic

The Magic, who made the finals two years ago, are only improving. The return of point guard Jameer Nelson last season played a big part in their regular season success. Dwight Howard, the league’s best center, is always a factor in games and can carry the Magic into the playoffs.

3. Boston Celtics

After an impressive post-season run last year, the Celtics look to make it back to the NBA Finals. The addition of Shaquille O’Neal adds defensive toughness and experience to the already aging Celtics. Point guard Rajon Rondo showed everyone why he was the best point guard in the league last year, displaying a wide array of skills. The Celtics may not make a run at the finals, but they will definitely be in the upper echelon of the eastern conference.

4. Chicago Bulls

Carlos Boozer was quite possibly the most underrated off season pickup for any team. In the shadow of LeBron James and Chris Bosh, Boozer provides the Bull’s with a powerful scoring forward. Derrick Rose is an up and coming superstar, and will capitalize on the addition of such a versatile player.

5. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are essentially the same exact team as last season. Acquiring Xavier forward Jordan Crawford in the draft gives the Hawks a potential scorer who can take some of the load from Joe Johnson. Look for improvement from second year guard Jeff Teague while the Hawks soar into the playoffs.

6. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks have spent many years as the bottom-dwellers of the eastern conference. Led by second year point guard Brandon Jennings, the Bucks made the playoffs as last season’s Cinderella. With the addition of Drew Gooden, the Bucks have made subtle improvements this season. If Andrew Bogut can stay healthy, the Bucks’ could be a wild card in the playoffs.

7. Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats made the playoffs for the first time in their brief history last season. With Michael Jordan taking over as majority owner, the Bobcats can only improve. Although they traded point guard and my most-improved player Raymond Felton, they still have the dynamic duo of Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace.

8. New York Knicks

After a very disappointing decade, the Knicks will finally make the playoffs. Although they did not land LeBron or Chris Bosh in the off season, they settled with former Phoenix power forward Amar’e Stoudemire. Stoudemire gives the Knicks a big man who can rack up the points in bunches, and rebound like very few. The addition of Raymond Felton will create a dangerous pick and roll with Stoudemire, while shooting guard Kelenna Azubuike can knock down those long three-point shots.

Playoff Outlook

Western Conference Champions: Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are looking to three-peat for the second time in Kobe Bryant’s career, and the fourth time in legendary coach Phil Jackson’s. Coming off of three straight NBA Finals, the Lakers will advance to the finals yet again. Going virtually unmatched in the west, the Lakers can advance with relative ease. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol cause problems for most teams in the Western conference, and can take over a big game when they need to.

Eastern Conference Champion: Miami Heat

Although it seems like the popular pick here, the Heat have enough talent to make up for their lack of chemistry. Dwayne Wade and LeBron James are both top five players in the NBA, while Chris Bosh can be a force down low. The production off the bench will be a big question for Miami, but with the experience of Wade and LeBron, the Heat can definitely make it this far.

NBA Champion: Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers will capture their third title in a row in a tight series with the Miami Heat. Although both teams have improved in the off-season, the Lakers length and experience will be too much for the young Miami Heat team. Kobe Bryant will capture his sixth ring, solidifying his place among the best to ever play in the NBA.

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Images:

NBA logo: http://www.frumpzilla.com/image_gallery/nba-logo.png

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The Circus Known as the New Jersey Nets

by Mark Pearsall

Some people call the day after Christmas “Boxing Day,” some know it as the day Kenneth Darby and Tim Legler were born, and the day Gerald Ford died. I will now forever remember it as the day I went to the 2009 clash of the NBA titans: the Nets vs. Rockets.

The New Jersey Nets were recently voted the worst franchise in all of professional sports by Sports Illustrated. And, let’s face it, they are. They are the worst team in the NBA with the worst fans crammed in the worst arena (Izod Center). On December 3, 2009, the Nets lost 117-101 to the Mavericks, marking their eighteenth straight loss to open a season, an NBA record.

Well, how did this franchise tank from two consecutive NBA Finals appearances (2002-2003) to potentially the worst season in NBA history six years later?

It all started in 2007 when the team was hit with injuries, mainly effecting Vince Carter and Nenad Krstic. Those injuries weakened the Nets lineup and made Jason Kidd cry, which led to his trade to the Mavericks for Devin Harris, a couple of draft picks, and basically all of the Mavericks bench. With three ballhogs starting for the Nets, (Jefferson, Carter, and Harris), individual performances were the only thing getting the Nets wins.

The next year Jefferson was traded, leaving Harris and Carter to run the Izod Center Circus. But with young additions such as Brook Lopez, Yi Jianlian, Ryan Anderson, and Chris Douglas-Roberts, the Nets looked like an up-and-coming team. After a “halfway decent” year (34 wins-48 losses), the Nets traded the face of their dwindling franchise, Vince Carter, to the Magic for young star Courtney Lee, old streetballer Rafaer “Skip” Alston, and that guy on the bench, Tony Battie.

Teammates attempt to console one another.

Now this year is where the magic is happening. All the young talent in the world and no veterans, unless you count Bobby Simmons (washed up), Jarvis Hayes (just terrible), Eduardo Najera (that guy still plays?) and Alston (not the dude you want mentoring Devin Harris), now comprise this historically awful team.

OK, now how does all of this matter? Why not just give up our fandom of the awesomely bad?  Or jump on the bandwagon of some other team? Because when we are sitting in that big comfy armchair in our later days with a cane and a band of grandchildren, we can say, “I grew up in New Jersey when the Nets had the worst year ever, and guess what… I went to one of their games at the Izod Center! We bought tickets that have a face value of $40 but we got for $12! (the ultimate sign of athletic decline).” They will gasp and crowd around you while you tell them the story:

“It was Boxing Day in Canada and the day after Christmas in New Jersey. It was raining; not snowing. I was wearing my Tracy McGrady jersey from when he played for Orlando while my friends wore random jerseys such as Jerry Stackhouse, an unnamed St. Johns jersey, and a Muggsy Bogues jersey. A couple of them even wore them over flannels,” (your band of kids is disgusted when they hear that flannels were popular back in the day).

“While it was hard to pack 8 of us in the car, we managed and began our 45-minute trek through the rain to the Izod Center. We drove a Suburban, which ran at about ½ miles per gallon. We listened to all kinds of music ranging from Blind 182 to Bruce Springsteen and a little bit of Lil Wayne (again the grandkids groan). We rolled up to the Center hollerin’ to our fellow Nets enthusiasts (I refuse to call them fans because no one on Earth is actually a Nets fan) shouting ‘GO NETS!!’ with extreme tones of sarcasm.

“To my disbelief, the parking garage was full to bursting and we settled for a spot on the top floor. Instead of following the crowd, we searched and found a vacant staircase and sprinted down that. Once we got down the stairs, we walked a little through the rain and then entered the Izod Center, home of the Nets and Bruce concerts. Upon entry to this complex, I made two observations; there are many Rockets jerseys here, and also a lot of Asians. Then it hit me. Tonight was the Clash of the Chinese Titans, it was Yi vs. Yao. Chinese basketball fans brought flags with Yi’s picture on it and shouted with joy every time he scored. Although Yao is injured for the year, his loyal supporters still flocked in wearing his number.

“After warm-ups, we had just found out seats, and the then the game started. Although I have seen better basketball played at YMCA pick-up games, the beginning of the game was still entertaining as Nets rookie Terrence Williams stole a pass and finished with a sick windmill on the other end. The T-Mac and Yao-less Rockets led after one quarter to no one’s surprise. An uneventful second quarter led to a Rocket six-point lead at halftime.

“We went to the nearest food vendor and spent our teenage life savings on overpriced hot dogs and soda. Then we made a game-changing decision: try to move closer to the court. From our nosebleeds, we scanned the lower levels for a spot that would seat all eight of us. We found one five rows behind the Rockets bench! Instead of all leaving at first, we went in groups of fours (we were clever back then), and in no time, we had snuck past the ticket-checker and were sitting near the court–just in time to watch the fourth quarter. I was a little uncomfortable because we were sitting behind these shady people who looked like they could be in the mafia. Since we were being a bit rowdy, I wasn’t sure I was gonna make it out alive. But here I am today.

“In the fourth quarter, the Nets were trying the make a comeback, and were actually successful. Keyon Dooling hit a big three to pull them up within one. During a Rocket timeout, the crowd noise was drowned out by the opening chords of “Eye of the Tiger,” and everyone watched as the big screen showed a Rocky montage of Sylvester Stallone beating Ivan Drago and running down the beach with Apollo Creed. The crowd was starting to get pumped; then the spotlights focused on center court and the Nets mascot, which is a cross between Teen Wolf and Bunnicula, jumped through the fans, ran up some stairs, and then got up to the upper section and raised his arms in triumph. Quite frankly, it was awe-inspiring. Only at an NBA game would something like that happen.

Nets mascot attempting to inspire the crowd.

“You would think the Nets players would be similarly inspired by that performance, but they ended up outplayed by Aaron Brooks and Carl Landry at the end of the game.  Big-time free throws down the stretch won it for the Rockets, and the final score was 98-93.

“My friends and I got out of the stadium in a flash, sprinted through the rain, ran right up our personal stairway, and got out of there, hoping to leave the sour taste of defeat behind. I say, kiddies, I hope I won’t give you nightmares tonight with this story. I didn’t even mention the pungent  body odor throughout the arena or how slow the cashier was at food checkout, how Jay-Z wasn’t there, or the music they played during the game!”

Kid #1: “That doesn’t sound so bad, Grandpa.”

“Oh yeah, and how fat the cheerleaders were!”

Kid #1: “My God!”

Kid #2: Gasp!