Scott, yes agree with most of what you said. I do love the NBA, especially the playoffs. The star power and quality of play. However, the officiating is awful in NBA too. So many bad calls. Also traveling is worse than ever. It needs to be fixed.
Thanks for making me think about the NBA again. I was an ardent fan of the Royals when I was young, and still believe the Big 'O' is one of the GOAT of all time. When they left town, I forgot about the NBA until I moved to Chicago during the Bulls run. They were fun to watch and I often ran into Dennis Rodman at random places when I lived there. He was the Rowdy Roddy Piper (OG alert) of the NBA. I also lived in Cleveland when Tyrone Hill was there and they had their strong years. I haven't lived in an NBA city since then and lost interest, as well as free time to watch any games. The ignored traveling violations turned me off. I think the Europeans brought back some of the passing and teamwork nuances to the game, so it is better now than a few years ago. I'll try to watch a few games.
I loved Tower of Power and Santana, and as a keyboard player really appreciate their talents. As a trained classical musician, are you a Kansas fan? Doc obviously doesn't like most progressive rock bands, so he doesn't give them much play time in his columns. Did you know Scott Gleckler? He is another local guy who had a successful music career, including award winning film music production work. I actually played little league baseball with him and also had a brief rock band experience with him. He is a very talented guy.
Yes, definitely like Kansas! But after Gustav Mahler, my main musical obsession, my taste goes to jazz. Wynton, Miles, etc. Would have been cool to be in Chicago during the MJ years.
Too many divas, drama queens, and dysfuntionals in the NBA for me. Rarely ever watch a full game. And this comes from a guy who grew up on the Big O, Luke, Twy, Odie, Tommie Hawk, Happy, Norm VL, the Van Arsdale twins, Tiny, and Big Wayne. Saw the dynasty Celtics play here many times in the 60s-the greatest team in any sport ever. The teamwork and togetherness they had was something you had to witness to be believed. You can't find that anymore. Saw Wilt in his prime, Walt Bellamy, Earl the Pearl, Lucious Jackson, Billy Cunningham, Dave DeBush, Bob Petit, on and on. Rosters back then often had 2-3 future HOFers. Less teams, better rosters.
Today's product is watered down, vastly overpaid, dominated by run-and-gun, and full of narcissists. A lot of the 18-19 year old one-and-doners who leave college early are the equivalent of single A players in Baseball. These kids think they are practically gods. They're delusional. They're lousy and overhyped. As for the stars, I have zero interest in ever watching a bunch of preening, me-first guys. Some people love this kind of stuff. Good for them. The way I see it, when you've already had the best, why settle for far less? Today's NBA world is too many teams, not enough teamwork. Just callin' out the part you left out of your intensely fan-boy write-up that glossed over the other side of the coin. I'd rather have to pull all the hairs out of a badly sunburned leg with tweezers than watch an NBA game.
Hi Greg - Love the debate, but let me ask, when did you stop watching? Because some of what you refer to does exist, and certainly there's too much money, but those me-first players and teams are not in the playoffs. (And I would content there was never more me-first player than Wilt). Watch a Denver Nugget game. If you liked those players from the 60s, I don't see how you would not like Jokic. One of the issues for promoting the game here is that with the exception of Boston, most of the good teams are in the West, so you don't get to see them unless you are night owl, which I am.
I grant you that there are likely a few teams now that resemble teams from the era I referrred to, but in general they are few and far between, imho. Back then with less teams and less players, there was a concentration of more good players per team, the play was higher quality, and the players were less spoiled. Huge egos were less of a thing. Stupid money behavior was almost non existent, since money was harder to come by.
Wilt was a solid team player some years, when his entire team was good. Other years, on bad teams, he was pretty much the entire offense. I never felt he was all that selfish; he was sometimes the only weapon, so he was expected to shoot a lot. His numbers are insanely good career wise.
Agree with you on Wilt's numbers. But I would love to see you give the modern league a chance. Watch Nuggets-Timberwolves. It's going to be a really good series.
Yeah I am definitely an NBA junkie. I fell in love with Julius Erving in 1980 as a 7 year old and have never looked back. The 80s NBA was such an incredible time with Celts Lakers rivalry, young MJ, the bad boys. MJ owned the 90s and besides Tiger is the greatest player of any sport I've ever witnessed. The 2000s are probably my least favorite decade but still boasted Shaq Kobe and young Bron. Fell in love with the dubs like you last decade. Right now, however, might be the greatest decade this sport has seen with so much talent and so many interesting teams and players to watch. There was always a matchup I wanted to see nearly every night this season and these playoffs have been great so far. I hope we get Denver Celts finals but Denver will have to get past a great twolves team and then probably OKC (although Luka and Dallas will have something to say about that). I used to be a mens college basketball junkie but that sport is simply unwatchable now. Enjoy the womens game way more
Let me suggest a podcast for you - Mind the Game with JJ Redick and LeBron. Best to watch it on YouTube because it has a lot video to it. But it's a perfect 45 minutes for any NBA fan.
Hey Micelle! Don't forget the Evendale Art Exhibit this weekend tonight through Monday evening at 10500 Reading Road; The Evendale Recreation Center. For specifics call Susan Gordy at 513-563-1350.
I respect and commiserate with your view of the NBA. I just hope, for you, it stands the test of time. I relocated here after living on Capitol Hill and being a Caps season (partial) ticket holder. Loved the NHL. But, after 6 additional years living outside NYC and then 31 in Cincy, I couldn't name a player past Ovechkin and my interest in the game has waned. I wish you luck in maintaining your obvious love of the NBA and the GSW's.
Great post. Love the NBA. It's amazing how hard they defend in the NBA although casual fans would laugh at that. Such tight tough on ball defense and help side. Quick possessions and the greatest basketball players in the world. A treat to watch if you truly love the game of basketball!
Yeah, nothing tells me more about someone's apathy to the NBA when they tell me that there's no defense. Yes, the scoring is high, but that because the players are that freaking good.
I Watched the second half of the Knicks/Sixers game last night great drama and now that the Nuggets are playing the T-Wolves (right) I will tune in for sure. As a Bama fan I'm not sure why more college teams don't run the spread 3 point office that the Warriors started. It's amazing how good all of the players are.
And great TOP tune. I always liked Soul Vaccination and Clever Girl
We will get along just fine! Soul Vaccination is serious music, the groove at the end is hypnotic. What a great band. And yes, Nuggets-TWolves has the chance to be epic.
I was fortunate to grow up watching the Cincinnati Royals (aka Sacramento Kings) with my father at Cincinnati Gardens, sometimes from what are now called “courtside seats.” I now live near Denver, and watching the Nuggets is pure basketball joy! The NBA rosters, like the NHL rosters, have the best players in the world, and the playoffs are wonderful. Thanks for an unexpected column today, and I say that because the NBA and NHL are usually unknown, but often denigrated, organizations in the Queen City.
That's why I wanted to write this! So glad to hear from a Nuggets fans - enjoy the ride. You have a great team. I remember the Warriors taking the Nuggets out two years ago without Porter of Murray and thinking, "This is not happening again!"
Just can't agree with this. I'll give you the number of 3s, but the rules on traveling are different. If you like the college travel rule, fine. It's not something I get bent out of shape about. Comparing the last two minutes of each game is enough for me. The NBA game to me is much more entertaining.
Nope. NBA turned its back on me (and Cincinnati) more than 50 years ago, and I haven't watched more than a minute of it since. I don't care how good it is, I won't be back. And Des leaving may be the final blow for me for college ball too. It's hard to cheer for a team that will only be together for one season, and apparently that's the way it's going to be from now on.
I love basketball too much to feel the same. I don't begrudge Des for taking advantage of the opportunity; he will make more $ at USC. There are a few simple tweaks they could make to bring some sanity to this. Xavier just list its lone freshman because of all the NIL transfers are going to take any playing time he might have gotten.
Agree, nothing against Des. Happy for him, and for others who are now getting some of the money that colleges used to make from them. But I'm sad for what this current setup does to the game with so many transient players.
To be quite honest, the NBA Playoffs is really the only part of the season I EVER watch. IMO, the season is just too long. However, you make a good point about being able to watch a player for more than one season. The NIL and transfer portal has taken true fandom out of college sports. At least in the NBA, you can watch a player for at least a few seasons.
Exactly. I will root for the Xavier "uniforms" next year, but 5 years from now I won't remember the names of any of these one-year guys. I agree the NBA season is too long - 72 games is more than enough, you could even make a case for 60. Better player health, etc...
Thanks for reminding me how wonderful the world of professional basketball is for fans with a team to be in love with!
I was in seventh grade when the Royals left town in 1972. My dad's company had floor seats at the Gardens (it always blows me away to think of what those would be worth today!) so I got to see the NBA up close and personal for a while.
I kept up with the league for a few years after that, mostly because I was still familiar with the players. But over time, the absence of a team to really care about dulled my interest.
I watched a couple of Knicks/ 76ers games this past week and pretty much enjoyed them. I still like the old-line teams. But I envy the passion you feel for the game itself. I have no doubt that I would share it if we ever got a team again.
Very similar to my experience. My Dad loved hoops in general and Oscar in particular. I loved Jerry Lucas. Fortunately, each of those guys got a ring, O in Milwaukee, Lucas with the Knicks.
We would come down from Dayton once a year or so for a Sunday afternoon game. I can still smell the Gardens :-) I saw Rick Barry put up an effortless 50 one game, Oscar had 38. I would keep tally of his points throughout the game. The Royals would play one or two regular season games at the old UD Fieldhouse on campus every year and we would always go to those. Maybe Arlen Bockhorn, former UD great, had something to do with those games? After the Royals left, I migrated fandom to the Celtics with Havlicek and Cowens. Then Bird and Magic and the Piston Bad Boys, then MJ, the Mailman. LeBron carrying the Cavs to the title over, maybe the greatest team of all-time, is a highlight of my sports watching life. That full court sprint and block of Iguodala's layup is one of the great moments in sports. I still hang around, watching the players more than the teams. Still love LeBron, Jokic is the best in the business, and I love Luka Doncic, as well. The European players are so fundamentally sound. All this said, nothing really matters till the 4th quarter and that is when I usually arrive. Would love a franchise here, it is a great basketball area.
I feel very privileged to have watched Oscar. And Lucas was a rebounding machine. I loved Archibald and Van Lear. The Van Arsdale brothers. Losing the Royals was a real blow.
Totally understand! My proximity on the West Coast to one of the great teams of all time undoubtedly feeds my passion. That, and watching what is happening to the college game. Floor seats! What an amazing opportunity to see great athletes.
Enjoyed the NBA talk today, as it normally gets less attention than cleaning golf carts in this space...:)
But to be fair, I'm not a huge NBA guy - I have way too many issues with the sport to name here. However the playoffs are generally good and fun to watch, and Denver is a fun team to follow. I definitely rooted for them last year. I always thought GS was more fun to follow BEFORE they got KD and Green turned into a total ass, say ~2015. After KD's OKC team had them down 3-1 in the playoffs, then lost 3 straight, then proceeded to join GS mere months later...well I just couldn't root for GS at that point. Teams that I would put up there with that 17 GS team would be the 71 Bucks, 72 Lakers, 83 Sixers, 86 Celtics, and 96/97 Bulls.
The NBA definitely trends younger, and I can remember being a much bigger fan as a kid than over the last 25+ years as an adult. But I do come back playoff time.
You are not alone in that perspective - but I was a huge fan, so losing perspective would be a normal. The teams you mention are all incredible, but the way the game is played now? 2017 GSW would kill anyone. Three point shooting, pace and spacing would completely befuddle some of these older teams using today's rules - which I believe has made the game so much more fun. I watch film on the 96 Bull, and see the ISO game, and it gets boring fast, event with the GOAT MJ scoring.
Scott, yes agree with most of what you said. I do love the NBA, especially the playoffs. The star power and quality of play. However, the officiating is awful in NBA too. So many bad calls. Also traveling is worse than ever. It needs to be fixed.
Thanks for making me think about the NBA again. I was an ardent fan of the Royals when I was young, and still believe the Big 'O' is one of the GOAT of all time. When they left town, I forgot about the NBA until I moved to Chicago during the Bulls run. They were fun to watch and I often ran into Dennis Rodman at random places when I lived there. He was the Rowdy Roddy Piper (OG alert) of the NBA. I also lived in Cleveland when Tyrone Hill was there and they had their strong years. I haven't lived in an NBA city since then and lost interest, as well as free time to watch any games. The ignored traveling violations turned me off. I think the Europeans brought back some of the passing and teamwork nuances to the game, so it is better now than a few years ago. I'll try to watch a few games.
I loved Tower of Power and Santana, and as a keyboard player really appreciate their talents. As a trained classical musician, are you a Kansas fan? Doc obviously doesn't like most progressive rock bands, so he doesn't give them much play time in his columns. Did you know Scott Gleckler? He is another local guy who had a successful music career, including award winning film music production work. I actually played little league baseball with him and also had a brief rock band experience with him. He is a very talented guy.
Yes, definitely like Kansas! But after Gustav Mahler, my main musical obsession, my taste goes to jazz. Wynton, Miles, etc. Would have been cool to be in Chicago during the MJ years.
We watch quite a bit of NBA here, especially the playoffs. Always fun to scan rosters for former UK Cats.
Too many divas, drama queens, and dysfuntionals in the NBA for me. Rarely ever watch a full game. And this comes from a guy who grew up on the Big O, Luke, Twy, Odie, Tommie Hawk, Happy, Norm VL, the Van Arsdale twins, Tiny, and Big Wayne. Saw the dynasty Celtics play here many times in the 60s-the greatest team in any sport ever. The teamwork and togetherness they had was something you had to witness to be believed. You can't find that anymore. Saw Wilt in his prime, Walt Bellamy, Earl the Pearl, Lucious Jackson, Billy Cunningham, Dave DeBush, Bob Petit, on and on. Rosters back then often had 2-3 future HOFers. Less teams, better rosters.
Today's product is watered down, vastly overpaid, dominated by run-and-gun, and full of narcissists. A lot of the 18-19 year old one-and-doners who leave college early are the equivalent of single A players in Baseball. These kids think they are practically gods. They're delusional. They're lousy and overhyped. As for the stars, I have zero interest in ever watching a bunch of preening, me-first guys. Some people love this kind of stuff. Good for them. The way I see it, when you've already had the best, why settle for far less? Today's NBA world is too many teams, not enough teamwork. Just callin' out the part you left out of your intensely fan-boy write-up that glossed over the other side of the coin. I'd rather have to pull all the hairs out of a badly sunburned leg with tweezers than watch an NBA game.
Hi Greg - Love the debate, but let me ask, when did you stop watching? Because some of what you refer to does exist, and certainly there's too much money, but those me-first players and teams are not in the playoffs. (And I would content there was never more me-first player than Wilt). Watch a Denver Nugget game. If you liked those players from the 60s, I don't see how you would not like Jokic. One of the issues for promoting the game here is that with the exception of Boston, most of the good teams are in the West, so you don't get to see them unless you are night owl, which I am.
I grant you that there are likely a few teams now that resemble teams from the era I referrred to, but in general they are few and far between, imho. Back then with less teams and less players, there was a concentration of more good players per team, the play was higher quality, and the players were less spoiled. Huge egos were less of a thing. Stupid money behavior was almost non existent, since money was harder to come by.
Wilt was a solid team player some years, when his entire team was good. Other years, on bad teams, he was pretty much the entire offense. I never felt he was all that selfish; he was sometimes the only weapon, so he was expected to shoot a lot. His numbers are insanely good career wise.
Agree with you on Wilt's numbers. But I would love to see you give the modern league a chance. Watch Nuggets-Timberwolves. It's going to be a really good series.
Thanks but no thanks. Different strokes, different folks, and all that. Enjoy.
Yeah I am definitely an NBA junkie. I fell in love with Julius Erving in 1980 as a 7 year old and have never looked back. The 80s NBA was such an incredible time with Celts Lakers rivalry, young MJ, the bad boys. MJ owned the 90s and besides Tiger is the greatest player of any sport I've ever witnessed. The 2000s are probably my least favorite decade but still boasted Shaq Kobe and young Bron. Fell in love with the dubs like you last decade. Right now, however, might be the greatest decade this sport has seen with so much talent and so many interesting teams and players to watch. There was always a matchup I wanted to see nearly every night this season and these playoffs have been great so far. I hope we get Denver Celts finals but Denver will have to get past a great twolves team and then probably OKC (although Luka and Dallas will have something to say about that). I used to be a mens college basketball junkie but that sport is simply unwatchable now. Enjoy the womens game way more
Let me suggest a podcast for you - Mind the Game with JJ Redick and LeBron. Best to watch it on YouTube because it has a lot video to it. But it's a perfect 45 minutes for any NBA fan.
Never miss those
Hey Micelle! Don't forget the Evendale Art Exhibit this weekend tonight through Monday evening at 10500 Reading Road; The Evendale Recreation Center. For specifics call Susan Gordy at 513-563-1350.
It's FREE. Refreshments tonight 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
I respect and commiserate with your view of the NBA. I just hope, for you, it stands the test of time. I relocated here after living on Capitol Hill and being a Caps season (partial) ticket holder. Loved the NHL. But, after 6 additional years living outside NYC and then 31 in Cincy, I couldn't name a player past Ovechkin and my interest in the game has waned. I wish you luck in maintaining your obvious love of the NBA and the GSW's.
Great post. Love the NBA. It's amazing how hard they defend in the NBA although casual fans would laugh at that. Such tight tough on ball defense and help side. Quick possessions and the greatest basketball players in the world. A treat to watch if you truly love the game of basketball!
Yeah, nothing tells me more about someone's apathy to the NBA when they tell me that there's no defense. Yes, the scoring is high, but that because the players are that freaking good.
I Watched the second half of the Knicks/Sixers game last night great drama and now that the Nuggets are playing the T-Wolves (right) I will tune in for sure. As a Bama fan I'm not sure why more college teams don't run the spread 3 point office that the Warriors started. It's amazing how good all of the players are.
And great TOP tune. I always liked Soul Vaccination and Clever Girl
We will get along just fine! Soul Vaccination is serious music, the groove at the end is hypnotic. What a great band. And yes, Nuggets-TWolves has the chance to be epic.
I was fortunate to grow up watching the Cincinnati Royals (aka Sacramento Kings) with my father at Cincinnati Gardens, sometimes from what are now called “courtside seats.” I now live near Denver, and watching the Nuggets is pure basketball joy! The NBA rosters, like the NHL rosters, have the best players in the world, and the playoffs are wonderful. Thanks for an unexpected column today, and I say that because the NBA and NHL are usually unknown, but often denigrated, organizations in the Queen City.
That's why I wanted to write this! So glad to hear from a Nuggets fans - enjoy the ride. You have a great team. I remember the Warriors taking the Nuggets out two years ago without Porter of Murray and thinking, "This is not happening again!"
Sorry, college basketball is so much better than the NBA. At least college refs call traveling. And NBA teams jack up about 50 3s a game.
Just can't agree with this. I'll give you the number of 3s, but the rules on traveling are different. If you like the college travel rule, fine. It's not something I get bent out of shape about. Comparing the last two minutes of each game is enough for me. The NBA game to me is much more entertaining.
"I follow the best sporting event of the year—the NBA playoffs." You misspelled NHL.
Nope. NBA turned its back on me (and Cincinnati) more than 50 years ago, and I haven't watched more than a minute of it since. I don't care how good it is, I won't be back. And Des leaving may be the final blow for me for college ball too. It's hard to cheer for a team that will only be together for one season, and apparently that's the way it's going to be from now on.
I love basketball too much to feel the same. I don't begrudge Des for taking advantage of the opportunity; he will make more $ at USC. There are a few simple tweaks they could make to bring some sanity to this. Xavier just list its lone freshman because of all the NIL transfers are going to take any playing time he might have gotten.
Agree, nothing against Des. Happy for him, and for others who are now getting some of the money that colleges used to make from them. But I'm sad for what this current setup does to the game with so many transient players.
To be quite honest, the NBA Playoffs is really the only part of the season I EVER watch. IMO, the season is just too long. However, you make a good point about being able to watch a player for more than one season. The NIL and transfer portal has taken true fandom out of college sports. At least in the NBA, you can watch a player for at least a few seasons.
Exactly. I will root for the Xavier "uniforms" next year, but 5 years from now I won't remember the names of any of these one-year guys. I agree the NBA season is too long - 72 games is more than enough, you could even make a case for 60. Better player health, etc...
Thanks for reminding me how wonderful the world of professional basketball is for fans with a team to be in love with!
I was in seventh grade when the Royals left town in 1972. My dad's company had floor seats at the Gardens (it always blows me away to think of what those would be worth today!) so I got to see the NBA up close and personal for a while.
I kept up with the league for a few years after that, mostly because I was still familiar with the players. But over time, the absence of a team to really care about dulled my interest.
I watched a couple of Knicks/ 76ers games this past week and pretty much enjoyed them. I still like the old-line teams. But I envy the passion you feel for the game itself. I have no doubt that I would share it if we ever got a team again.
Very similar to my experience. My Dad loved hoops in general and Oscar in particular. I loved Jerry Lucas. Fortunately, each of those guys got a ring, O in Milwaukee, Lucas with the Knicks.
We would come down from Dayton once a year or so for a Sunday afternoon game. I can still smell the Gardens :-) I saw Rick Barry put up an effortless 50 one game, Oscar had 38. I would keep tally of his points throughout the game. The Royals would play one or two regular season games at the old UD Fieldhouse on campus every year and we would always go to those. Maybe Arlen Bockhorn, former UD great, had something to do with those games? After the Royals left, I migrated fandom to the Celtics with Havlicek and Cowens. Then Bird and Magic and the Piston Bad Boys, then MJ, the Mailman. LeBron carrying the Cavs to the title over, maybe the greatest team of all-time, is a highlight of my sports watching life. That full court sprint and block of Iguodala's layup is one of the great moments in sports. I still hang around, watching the players more than the teams. Still love LeBron, Jokic is the best in the business, and I love Luka Doncic, as well. The European players are so fundamentally sound. All this said, nothing really matters till the 4th quarter and that is when I usually arrive. Would love a franchise here, it is a great basketball area.
I feel very privileged to have watched Oscar. And Lucas was a rebounding machine. I loved Archibald and Van Lear. The Van Arsdale brothers. Losing the Royals was a real blow.
Totally understand! My proximity on the West Coast to one of the great teams of all time undoubtedly feeds my passion. That, and watching what is happening to the college game. Floor seats! What an amazing opportunity to see great athletes.
Enjoyed the NBA talk today, as it normally gets less attention than cleaning golf carts in this space...:)
But to be fair, I'm not a huge NBA guy - I have way too many issues with the sport to name here. However the playoffs are generally good and fun to watch, and Denver is a fun team to follow. I definitely rooted for them last year. I always thought GS was more fun to follow BEFORE they got KD and Green turned into a total ass, say ~2015. After KD's OKC team had them down 3-1 in the playoffs, then lost 3 straight, then proceeded to join GS mere months later...well I just couldn't root for GS at that point. Teams that I would put up there with that 17 GS team would be the 71 Bucks, 72 Lakers, 83 Sixers, 86 Celtics, and 96/97 Bulls.
The NBA definitely trends younger, and I can remember being a much bigger fan as a kid than over the last 25+ years as an adult. But I do come back playoff time.
You are not alone in that perspective - but I was a huge fan, so losing perspective would be a normal. The teams you mention are all incredible, but the way the game is played now? 2017 GSW would kill anyone. Three point shooting, pace and spacing would completely befuddle some of these older teams using today's rules - which I believe has made the game so much more fun. I watch film on the 96 Bull, and see the ISO game, and it gets boring fast, event with the GOAT MJ scoring.