Does the NBA/Sixers get a bad rap?

[JoelNoel]

I've been wondering the last few days why the Sixers weren't able to sell out any of the playoff games. Granted the Pistons were supposed to beat us, but I was at the game on Sunday, when the Sixers were leading the series 2-1, and they were some sections almost completely empty. I just didn't understand it. We were on the verge of possibly upsetting one of the best teams in the league, a team knocked us out of the playoffs the last time we were relevant, and the arena wasn't even full. On top of it, the arena didn't have a playoff atmosphere. Granted, the fans were hyped and were behind the team 100 percent, but the crowd quickly died as soon as the Pistons started making their run.

I was at the Flyers game on Wednesday, and the atmosphere was completely different. The place was packed and electric, much like the Sixers 2001 run. Fans were living and dying with the Flyers, and experienced the highest of highs, followed by the lowest of lows, only to end the night on an extremely big high.

I hope that kind of atmosphere can return to the Sixers, but I think it will be difficult. First off, for a team trying to rebuild a fanbase, Comcast had no reason to jack up ticket prices for the playoffs. Tickets that were 12 dollars during the season, we marked up to 30, and with all the surcharges and such, they ended up being 41. I'm not a math major, but that's like a 240 percent markup.

However, even with the price markup, I still don't think that's the reason why the games didn't sell out. I just think that a lot of people won't give the NBA another chance. We are part of a select few of NBA diehards, who love the game, and love watching it every night. However, a great majority of people question our loyalty, and claim they only watch college basketball.

I just don't get it. I feel like the NBA is entering a golden age with all its likeable young stars, playing at insanely high levels, and all these people are talking about college basketball. Granted, I love college ball, but I want to watch the best players in the world playing at the highest level. I want to see Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, etc develop in dominant stars for their respective teams. The NBA has been incredible this season, yet almost everyone I talk to outside my close knit group of friends, only watch college basketball.

As for the Sixers, in 2001, the team absolutely captured the hearts of everyone in this city. Of all the playoff/championship contender teams in this city (Flyers in 97, Phillies last years, Eagles for 2000-2004,) I don't think any team electrified the city as much as the 2001 Sixers. And now, the Sixers are the 4th place team by far in this city. I know the Sixers were a 7 seed with a longshot to upset the Pistons, but WE WERE UP TWO GAMES TO ONE, and THE ARENA WAS UNABLE TO SELL OUT. We have a young, exciting team, and the city just seems apathetic. I really do hope this will change as the team becomes better, and I'm sure it will.

All and all, I know for a fact that I'll be purchasing season tickets for this team in the near future. Go Sixers!!

[Cookin Baskets]

I know how you feel, none of my friends want to go to 76ers game they just want to see the flyers.

I really wanted to see those games, and I don't why it didn't sell out we surged late. Its either philly wants a superstar or everyone knew we weren't good enough to win any rounds this year. Everyone knew philly didn't have a chance to win against Detroit even up 2-1...and philly fans aren't the most optimistic.

Yea hopefully they can make some moves in the summer to make us championship contenders for the future but also a team that will be followed in closley in philly.

[freshie2]

About 15 years ago, I would go to games regularly when in grad school in Philly, and they were awful. Now, it's too much of a trek to make a weekday game.

As for the rest of the fan base, they need to win more to pull people back in.