2003-2004 NBA Season

[James Rondon]

Had I started this thread back in November, I'm sure that the numbers would have been much different. Most would have probably selected the Lakers... I'm curious to see what the concensus is now (and what it might be as the season progresses).

[James Rondon]

I guess I'll have to revisit this poll after the Super Bowl!

[marc]

One of these days I'll watch the NBA again, just to see if I still dislike it as much as the last time I watched it.

Last year a couple of people told me about teams that were actually playing as a team insted of as a collection of individuals.  When this becomes the norm, the NBA will win me back.

[James Rondon]

I understand your sentiments, marc... Why do you think that the NBA has become so individualistic? Salaries... Influx of youth (especially pre-college youth)... Other factors... ?

[marc]

I don't know really.  Youth has something to do with it, I think, as does Nike (how do you get a big shoe contract?).  Also Sportcenter has had an effect on all sports.  A big hit is more desirable than a solid tackle in football because it looks good on the highlight reels.  And in baseball you have the Jim Edmonds syndrome--dive for every ball, even if you could simply run over and make the catch without leaving your feet.

Basketball may be more susceptable than the other sports because there are fewer players on a team.  In baseball you have effectively 14 starters, counting the roatation.  In football you have 22.  Basketball, though, divides the primary attention among five players, each with a shot at being The star.

[marc]

I've been thinking about this, and decided that what the NBA needs is a little competition.  I know Charles Barkley's said he's dissatisfied with the league, maybe he and some others with money and knowledge should get together and re-form the old ABA.  Besides the major cities that could possibly support another team there are several cities right now without professional basketball that have either had a team in the past or have a team in another pro sport now.  I'm thinking of cities such as San Diego, St. Louis, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Chicago, Nashville, Pittsburgh and others that could possibly support an ABA team and currently have no NBA competition.

Sure, new leagues rarely last long, but if they could only give a jolt to the NBA it would be worth it.

[spurly]

I love the chance of the Mavericks because they do seem to play as a team.  Nash has got to be the best point guard in the league.

Kevin

[spurly]

It looks like the Lakers are coming together at the right time.  I don't want them to win, but I'm afraid they have got to be the favorite going into the post season.