Or maybe New York could build a team worth watching on their own and it wouldn't matter?
You mean by adding a player like...err...I dunno.....LEBRON JAMES?
I understand TV ratings would go up if Lebron was in New York. I just don't think the NBA *NEEDS* it. They are doing just fine. People (New York Media) act like the league is in shambles and only King James can save it by going to New York
No the NBA is NOT fine. The ratings have been declining since MJ left the league, with Spurs/Cavs being the low point. It wasn't until last year when Boston and LA met in the Finals that the ratings bumped UP. The last bump was the Lakers/Kings in 02.
I said 'on their own' meaning with out Lebron James. If they landed a Chris Bosh and some other supporting players they could be a better team. Right now they are saddled with a bunch of players that don't work well together. Thank god they finally fired the crappy coach and are pushing aside Marbury.
The NBA is fine. The league is not going under. Ratings for all sports not named football are down in this country. Basketball is watched in other countries now. Moreso then it was when Jordan was around. Big games involving Yao Ming bring in a lot of viewers from China. Ones that won't be counted in Nielsen ratings.
I think it was JoMal who mentioned it in here but it wouldn't matter if the NBA wasn't matching it's peak in the 90s if they were not over paying players so much all across the league.