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mjkvol wrote:okboomer wrote:That loss by the Pacers is probably going to be felt by their fanbase for a very long time.
Yeah, that's the one they'll look back at if they lose the series. It was theirs for the taking, but we found out that there's a lot more to this OKC team than blowout wins.
Jailblazers7 wrote:mjkvol wrote:Jailblazers7 wrote:Yeah this is by far the best series since 2016 imo. The reason ratings are low is because the NBA has done a bad job of succession planning & promotion of the younger generation. The on court product this year in the playoffs has been excellent.
You might be right about the NBA, but I think it's as much to do with it being the worst possible kind of series to attract casual fans, who want to see big stars and highlight reel plays. Grinding physical defense and half court offense isn't much of a ratings magnet, and even SGA's game is predicated on mid-range magic more than 3's and dunks, which is what the casual fan wants to see.
Another problem for the league is that the biggest stars are not strident, divisive figures like James, who as many love to hate as like him, or even Curry, but guys like SGA, Luka, Brunson, and Jokic, who are pretty much invisible off the court.
I think you’re right in some ways but I feel like real basketball fans love this series because it’s legitimately fun to watch. Indiana pushing pace, both teams guarding 94 feet with physicality, leads changing hands all game, etc. The on ball defensive pressure makes the action relentless & engaging for viewers.
I think the NBA just wanted to ride the LeBron & Steph gravy train for too long and now they’re a little lost on how to market the game. Neither of these teams played on Christmas - egregious when it comes to OKC who was a preseason WC favorite and SGA was a clear MVP contender. Halliburton is a big personality with real charm and charisma.
It shouldn’t be that hard to get fans interested in these teams and this play style. But the NBA has continued to put LeBron, Steph, KD, etc at the forefront of their marketing materials past their primes.
PhillyFan11 wrote:Wow…if that’s the price for Bane what is Giannis worth?? There aren’t enough 1st’s in the world apparently
Between this and the Bridges trade the cost of good, not great, players is going to get out of control. The OKC/Indy model of team building is going to become the norm. Let other teams make dumb decisions overpaying for players that won’t win championships and build through the draft and targeting underrated role players at a reasonable price.
PhillyFan11 wrote:Wow…if that’s the price for Bane what is Giannis worth?? There aren’t enough 1st’s in the world apparently
Between this and the Bridges trade the cost of good, not great, players is going to get out of control. The OKC/Indy model of team building is going to become the norm. Let other teams make dumb decisions overpaying for players that won’t win championships and build through the draft and targeting underrated role players at a reasonable price.
Negrodamus wrote:This is the most Orlando ass trade I've ever seen.
Arsenal wrote:PhillyFan11 wrote:Wow…if that’s the price for Bane what is Giannis worth?? There aren’t enough 1st’s in the world apparently
Between this and the Bridges trade the cost of good, not great, players is going to get out of control. The OKC/Indy model of team building is going to become the norm. Let other teams make dumb decisions overpaying for players that won’t win championships and build through the draft and targeting underrated role players at a reasonable price.
Yes this "selling the farm" for good but not great players like Bridges and Bane is out of control. There's no price for Giannis if this is what Bane and Bridges are going for.
Iscull wrote:Not to beat a dead horse… another trade where someone got a lot more for a much worse player than Luka lol
Negrodamus wrote:I think the Griz are going to reroute those pick for a big name. Otherwise, what’s the plan with Jackson and Morant?
