I think MLB and NBA (and probably NHL too) suffer from the same problem–just an oversaturation of the market. Unless you’re really dedicated to the game, it’s hard to follow the NBA or MLB. There are several games on every single day, and the casual fan can really only follow his fave team.
Contrast that to the NFL (sans the stupid Thursday night games that nobody really cares about). There are games on Sunday and one on Monday. Plus, the structure of a football game (time between plays that Terry Bradsaw can give you a highlight of another game) lends itself to the fact that on Tuesday morning, you have a pretty good idea of what happened across the entire league.
Plus, with only 16 games, there are no “throw-away” games, or “resting your starters” or any of that garbage. Every game is important. (Except for waaaay late in the season when you already have the #1 seed in the bag).
How does the revenue breakdown by source compare between the NBA and MLB and NFL? One thing that comes to mind is that basketball has broad international appeal compared to baseball or football. I would not be surprised if 30% or more of NBA revenue comes from outside the US. Also, I wonder if there is a significant NBA revenue component from people who just wear basketball apparel as streetwear. All those $300 LeBron shoes add up…
NBA playoffs are awesome. I love the fact that the playoffs are 2 months out of the year. The only complaint I have is the flopping that goes on and the refs calling the ticky tack fouls to protect the superstars. Hopefully the Spurs can turn this thing around against the dirty Heat.
^ I understand that next year they are considering 6 weeks between Finals games, 7 when they switch cities. Superstars have received special treatment as long as I can remember, but the flopping in today’s game is way out of hand. Hey D Wade, you’re going to get the call anyway, you don’t have to act like the CIA just shot you from the Grassy Knoll.
I agree, but they’re going to get the calls anyway so no need to be so dramatic about it. Magic, Jordan and Bird cried to the refs after every play, but they did it without flopping all over the place, throwing their hands up in the air, etc. Just jog down the floor with the ref on the next play and let him know what a horrible job he’s doing.
Duty to protect their stars? Like duty to protect revenues?
Also, I imagine that Michael Jordan or similar could have ended the careers of any referee that sufficiently angered them. With this and mind, and since Michael Jordan is a well known dick, the referees probably did try to treat him favorably.
Legit. Better yet, only 3 teams in the east make the playoffs, 9 from the west. Better yet, get rid of a few teams. Nobody watches the Milwakee Bucks. It’s turned into a game of haves and have nots. Not enought talent for this level.
Legit, but revenue will never let this happen.
This is much better than 2-3-2. Your plan puts game 7 on away teams court. That’s not an advantage.
Legit.
I kind of like the this idea, but completely agree it’s broken. They need a bidding system. You got #1 pick in 2003… you should be winning. 2008… sucks to be you. Also helps prevent rookies getting less outperforming guys on max contracts.
Limit to five real fouls. You see people getting hacked when they drive? No, you don’t. Go watch 1990’s ball. You see flopping and acting. Mandatory ejection for every flop. If not caught, 1 game suspension, without pay.