The rockets might suck, but the nba is better than ever. Ya there might be 7-8 super teams, but it is quite entertaining to watch them play each other.
Howard's not a free agent yet. He has limited say in where he goes. And, probably even less in the new CBA than he would with the current one. This is probably net good news for the Rockets, since Howard can force his way out of Orlando but can't control where he ends up. It's better news than Howard being happy with the Magic. Of course, I don't know if I believe it anyway.
Like it or not, casual fans love dynasties... The consolidation of power makes the game much more accessible and easier to follow when you only have to care about 3-4 teams instead of 20.
The opposite of this theory is the NFL. Where every team seems to have a chance to win it all, every single year... and yet the ratings still kill. I really can't explain that. It's weird how the NFL has managed to be the exception to this rule. Even during the dynasties though, the games remain competitive and parity is rampant... it's like they've found a formula to keep both the hardcore and casual fans engaged and happy.
They are the biggest since the Mid 90's already http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/hiestand-tv/2011-02-08-nba-tnt_N.htm
I think it's the win or go home playoffs. If the NBA had 1 or 3 game playoff series, dynasties would be rare and people would always have hope that their team could make it to the finals. In the NFL the best team doesn't always win the Championship.
The unpredictable nature of both the game and the way the playoff format is structured does have a lot to do with it. In the NBA and MLB, upsets are so rare because of two things... 1) 7 game series and 2) the individual nature of each sport... whereas in football, not only is it one and done, but you have so many different moving parts that crazy outcomes are the norm.
It's because the NFL focuses on teams and the NBA focuses on individuals, which makes sense since one or two players can have a major impact in basketball. One great basketball player makes all the difference in the world and you will never be able to spread them across to give say, more than 5-8 teams a legit shot because there aren't that many Jordan/Hakeem/Duncan/Kobe type players. Also, NFL dynasties like the 49ers and Cowboys were very popular. I'm sure if the 90's Cowboys were playing today the league would have even better ratings.
I dont blame these superstars one bit....You play to 1)win championships 2)get paid top dollar 3)have fun 4)do less work while doing 1-3.........only way to do those is join forces
Yeah, but it almost to the point where 20 teams are going to know day one they have no shot what so ever. That's really bad for the league.
The same 20 teams know that before these superstars join forces.....Cant fault superstars because the other 20 teams suck.......
Why would Rockets fans care at this moment? Shouldn't we worry about the direction to go first, and manage to get into playoffs, and then become somewhat competitive in playoffs? Stars piling up in top 3 teams is bad news for contending teams - there is less outside chance for them to win it all. But for mediocre teams, it's only good news - they have a better chance to climb a few more steps on the ladder.
