NBA Bias

[Kirbyjr]

I support a small market team, the Milwaukee Bucks.  The last 2 games we have played the Lakers and the Cavs.  After seeing these 2 games there is no one that can tell me that all of these big name teams and stars dont get special treatment from the NBA. 

The NBA wonders why it cant compete with the NFL?  If they gave small market teams a chance like the NFL, and didnt cower to the whiny, cry baby bitches like LeBron and Kobe, then maybe, just maybe they would have a QUALITY product that could be put out there and be enjoyed by the masses, but untill that day comes, they will always be second rate and the NFL will be king.

[Sunstroke]

Hard to argue that, though if Brandon Jennings continues developing into the star-caliber talent that he's looked like early on this year, you'll probably start seeing some of those star calls going your way in the near future.

I also really like Ilyasova this year...what a nice surprise he's been since the Bucks decided to make him their starting PF.

[Denver_Bronco]

Is there such a thing as traveling in the NBA or is 5 steps ok?

[Dave Gray]

I almost started a topic just like this.  Seeing Kobe travel and charge at the same time, only to get a foul call that ends up extending the game into overtime is unforgivable.  The NBA is a superstar league, and some people (like Kornheiser) say that it's good for the league.  I call bullshit.  I don't think that the way you've played in the past should affect the calls that you get in the present.  That should be worked on at all costs.  The integrity of the game is suffering.

[Kirbyjr]

Hard to argue that, though if Brandon Jennings continues developing into the star-caliber talent that he's looked like early on this year, you'll probably start seeing some of those star calls going your way in the near future.

I also really like Ilyasova this year...what a nice surprise he's been since the Bucks decided to make him their starting PF.

You could be right about Jennings and the calls going his way if he continues to develop into a consistent all star player.  Ilyasova, man what a surprise this guy has been, he is also another guy that if he continues to develop his game could be a threat for years to come.  I can only hope, maybe this franchise is finally turning the corner.

[ethurst22]

I don't even watch the NBA. Most of it is scripted and if you've seen one dunk, you've seen them all.

It's not NBA Sports...it's NBA entertainment. As long as Stern is in office, you can forget any small town teams in the finals unless they have a Superstar that walks on water.

The NBA is a joke and I still think players during the 70's and 80's were way better.

[Spider-Dan]

The NBA wonders why it cant compete with the NFL?  If they gave small market teams a chance like the NFL, and didnt cower to the whiny, cry baby bitches like LeBron and Kobe, then maybe, just maybe they would have a QUALITY product that could be put out there and be enjoyed by the masses, but untill that day comes, they will always be second rate and the NFL will be king.

That is not a small-market vs. big-market issue.  Tim Duncan, who plays for the small-market Spurs, will get calls against the Knicks, Nets, Clippers, or Lakers.  The same goes for Chris Paul or Deron Williams.

It's a star-treatment issue.

[ethurst22]

Is there such a thing as traveling in the NBA or is 5 steps ok?

Traveling doesn't exist anymore. Dwayne Wade told Stern to take it out of the rule book. Stern said that he had to consult with Lebron and Lebron said throw it out.

[Denver_Bronco]

Traveling doesn't exist anymore. Dwayne Wade told Stern to take it out of the rule book. Stern said that he had to consult with Lebron and Lebron said throw it out.

LMFAO! Thanks for the verification. 

[jtex316]

Except for the Lakers, the NBA hasn't had a "big market" team win in the last 6 years. Detriot, Miami, and San Antonio are your NBA Champs since then, and Cleveland, New Orleans, and Phoenix are all contenders.

Boston and LA are the other true contenders. Chicago and NY? Bleh.

I don't have a problem with this because bad calls by bad refs is a part of sports. We need more quality, integrity-based referees in sports, not "good 'ol boys" like we have now.

[SportsChick]

Um Joe, Boston is considered a big market and unless I imagined it, they did win within the past 6 years

[Dave Gray]

It's not a question of bad calls, though, JTex.  It's a matter of inconsistently bad calls for only certain players.  That can't be allowed.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

I'd have to agree with Kirby's stance here..... the NBA needs a "Hard" salary cap like the NFL.  No "cap exceptions" or trading salary for salary if you are capped out.  You cannot be over the cap, period.  If you are, you face sanctions from the league. 

The NFL should also adopt the NBA's rookie salary scale.  Give money to the big stars who have proven they deserve it, as opposed to rookies who have never played a down in the NFL. 

Finally, both leagues should adopt MLB's policy on high school players.  If a kid wants to go pro right out of high school, he can.  If he chooses to go to college, he must wait three years before he can turn pro unless he earns his degree before then. 

[jtex316]

Um Joe, Boston is considered a big market and unless I imagined it, they did win within the past 6 years

Boston sucks. Ergo, they don't count

[JVides]

That is not a small-market vs. big-market issue.  Tim Duncan, who plays for the small-market Spurs, will get calls against the Knicks, Nets, Clippers, or Lakers.  The same goes for Chris Paul or Deron Williams.

It's a star-treatment issue.

You took the words right out of my mouth, Spider-Dan.