NBA Thread

[yeezus]

Again, if the hockey playoffs are so good then why does nobody watch?

A lot of people watch it. Who watches the NBA playoffs? Just because ESPN covers it more doesn't mean it's better.
If ESPN pimped hockey the way they the Nats, or the freakin Knicks, or whatever it is they want to hype up, it would be a lot more popular, but you'd have dumber "fans." Like when I talk to someone about the NBA, it's all "I hate LeBron!!!!" or "I love LeBron!!!." Most fans of the NHL truly understand the game and league, they pay attention and know it in-depth.

You can't even argue that the NBA playoffs are better. You really can't. If you like the NBA better for your own reasons, fine. But the two playoffs and the depth of the league is not comparable.

[thethe]

A lot of people watch it. Who watches the NBA playoffs? Just because ESPN covers it more doesn't mean it's better.
If ESPN pimped hockey the way they the Nats, or the freakin Knicks, or whatever it is they want to hype up, it would be a lot more popular, but you'd have dumber "fans." Like when I talk to someone about the NBA, it's all "I hate LeBron!!!!" or "I love LeBron!!!." Most fans of the NHL truly understand the game and league, they pay attention and know it in-depth.

You can't even argue that the NBA playoffs are better. You really can't. If you like the NBA better for your own reasons, fine. But the two playoffs and the depth of the league is not comparable.

ESPN is not "pimping" it because there isn't much interest in this country for Hockey. Thats the truth of the matter. Now you can like hockey more and thats fine. I will always watch a NBA game over a hockey game and the numbers bear out that the majority of Americans would as well. And, its not like the NBA is just an American sport anymore. The popularity is growing tremendously overseas.

You can dismiss this by saying its just stupid fans but there are plenty of the hockey fans out there who railed on Jagr and currenty rail on Crosby.

[yeezus]

There are lot of people I hear who don't even watch much hockey but acknowledge that it has the best playoffs. People who don't really like hockey at all, but when you watch the playoffs, it's crazy. It's a whole different level of intensity and competitiveness. It's even way more intense than regular season hockey. It's a different animal.

Right now ESPN is showing MIKE D'ANTONI'S press conference. Who the bleep cares??? The Lakers sucked, missed the playoffs by a mile, attempted to lose freaking games (TERRIBLE for the sport, but necessary because it's a joke), and they're going to have a half hour of coverage for the Lakers. And people will watch this and care more about it, because that's what's on. Most people are morons and like whatever they're told to like. The NBA, as a league, sucks right now. No team in any sport should be trying to lose games. 1/3 of the league in the NBA were trying to lose. Wonderful. Makes for great fun.

[yeezus]

ESPN is not "pimping" it because there isn't much interest in this country for Hockey. Thats the truth of the matter. Now you can like hockey more and thats fine. I will always watch a NBA game over a hockey game and the numbers bear out that the majority of Americans would as well. And, its not like the NBA is just an American sport anymore. The popularity is growing tremendously overseas.

You can dismiss this by saying its just stupid fans but there are plenty of the hockey fans out there who railed on Jagr and currenty rail on Crosby.

Also because ESPN no longer has the rights to televise their games, and have been butthurt about it for a while.
Have fun watching the Heat and Bobcats over Bruins/Wings. Lol.
I ****ing hate Crosby but respect the hell out of how good he is. What's your point? No one who rails against Crosby doesn't think he's amazing. No one. Everyone I know can't stand the guy but all acknowledge how great he is. There are by FAR more fair-weather NBA and NFL fans because they don't truly follow and only follow ESPN. The NBA is a poor league right now. LOL at tanking. It's such a joke!! Who wants to see their team lose? I did, and that sucks. Teams should always try and win. It's bad sport not to.

[yeezus]

The Bobcats!!! Bobcats are in the playoffs!
Tanking, ****ty playoffs, guaranteed victors, little defense played. All NBA. In the NHL, super talented players like Ovechkin are criticized harshly for bailing out defensively. Even NBA players will tell you few players, especially stars, truly play defense. Few NHL stars DON'T play defense. It's a staple of any good player/captain to work hard on the defensive end BEFORE the offensive end.

[yeezus]

The NBA playoffs with NEVER be as good as the NHL playoffs were last night.

Arguments aside, this is so true. 3 OT game, Avs scoring in final 2 minutes and winning in OT...the NBA FINALS aren't that good.

[yeezus]

I still can't believe the Blue/Blackhawks is a first round match-up. That's like Christmas.

[thethe]

ESPN is about making money. THey will advertise what makes them the most money.

[gilesfan]

Again, if the hockey playoffs are so good then why does nobody watch?

ESPN lost the contract to cover hockey and the majority of sports fans get there info from ESPN. Since ESPN doesn't have soccer/hockey games, what incentive do they have to talk about these games?

ESPN has a **** load invested in NBA....thus, instead of really covering some great games last night (and intense rivalries), dumb sports fans are forced to watch Mike D'Antoni or talk about a Miami Heat practice session.

The NHL playoffs are like if 75% of the NBA first round matchups were Heat/Pacers and no one knew who would win. And this is only the first round. THere are zero boring matchups like whoever the Pacers play. There are legitimately over 10 teams that could win the Stanley Cup this year.

[gilesfan]

ESPN is about making money. THey will advertise what makes them the most money.

Why would they advertise for the NHL when NBC shows all the games?

[Heyward]

Again, if the hockey playoffs are so good then why does nobody watch?

Plenty of people watch.

It will never get better ratings than the NBA.

But like i said, you can pretty much not watch until the final 3-4 minutes of the game, and you didnt miss nothing with the NBA.

I dont mind the NBA but the sport is in terrible shape, only like 5, maybe 6 teams at most have a shot to win it all.

[Heyward]

There are lot of people I hear who don't even watch much hockey but acknowledge that it has the best playoffs. People who don't really like hockey at all, but when you watch the playoffs, it's crazy. It's a whole different level of intensity and competitiveness. It's even way more intense than regular season hockey. It's a different animal.

This is how i am.

I dont watch alot of regular season hockey but NOTHING beats playoff hockey.

NBA isnt bad but you already know what the WCF/ECF's will likely be, and more than likely the Finals.

NHL could go to a lot of teams but the Bruins are big favorites in the East.

[NinersSBChamps]

NBA Playoff predictions:

Western Conference:
San Antonio V. Dallas
Spurs in 5
Houston V. Portland
Rockets in 7
Los Angeles V. Golden State
Clippers in 7
Oklahoma City V. Memphis
Thunder in 6

San Antonio V. Houston
Spurs in 6
Oklahoma City V. Los Angeles
Thunder in 6

San Antonio V. Oklahoma City
Spurs in 7

Eastern Conference:
Indiana V. Atlanta
Pacers in 6
Chicago V. Washington
Bulls in 6
Toronto V. Brooklyn
Nets in 5
Miami V. Charlotte
Heat in 5

Indiana V. Chicago
Pacers in 6
Miami V. Brooklyn
BROOKLYN IN 6

Indiana V. Brooklyn
Pacers in 5

San Antonio V. Indiana
Spurs in 6

[gilesfan]

LOL off Brooklyn over Miami.

[Heyward]

Same Finals as last year, not sure who wins.

[NinersSBChamps]

LOL off Brooklyn over Miami.

They have enough fire power to hang and beat Miami. If PP and KG can be effective there is no reason they can't at least make it a series.

[thethe]

Calaithas will supposedly be suspended for 20 games. THat makes things a bit easier for the Thunder. He is an important player for the Grizz.

[Heyward]

Calaithas will supposedly be suspended for 20 games. THat makes things a bit easier for the Thunder. He is an important player for the Grizz.

Meh, still have Conley, Allen, Lee, Miller, Prince, ZBo, Davis, Gasol, Koufos.

[thethe]

Meh, still have Conley, Allen, Lee, Miller, Prince, ZBo, Davis, Gasol, Koufos.

You named just one guy who is capable of administering an offense. It makes a difference.

[Heyward]

You named just one guy who is capable of administering an offense. It makes a difference.

Playoffs are different.

Starters play huge minutes, Conley will probably play 35-40 minutes.

Not a huge deal.