Sandomir - NBA TV Ratings in Tank

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/14/sports/basketball/14r

Boy the NBA has really sunk. More seasons like this and they will be on Versus in no time.

 

Rhoden was on NPR like 3 weeks ago or so trying to defend the NBA's ratings, I think. There's audio but I didn't listen. No report on whether he repeated the "Everybody I know is watching (the playoffs)."

 

Oh CHUCK TAYLOR, where are you? Chuck?

I waited. I saw. Your favorite sport's ratings are headed for NHL territory.

MLB owns the NBA. Learn it, live it, love it.

 

The only difference is hockey fans know their ratings are going to suck and they almost embrace it. It's almost like they -like- having a sport that doesn't appeal to the mainstream and has that "cult" feeling to it. NBA fans want to think that everyone worships the ground basketball players walk on, and when they discover it's not true then they pout about it. I know this is a bit of a generalization, but it's been what I've noticed.

 

I know I'm praying for a sweep along with ABC.

 

For some watching hockey now has become a style statment like drinking Pabst or wearing a trucker hat.

 

Ashton Kutcher likes hockey?

 

The NBA does have a loyal following and audience. It's just that ESPN needs to realize that not as many people care about the NBA as they think. ESPN is hammering these NBA Finals as if Jordan and Kareem are going up against each other and it's the good old days once again.

Lebron will be a huge star. He already is in Cleveland and in many other areas. But Jesus, NBA, don't be in such a hurry to appoint him the next Jordan without seeing how he does first in a final. Even Michael Jordan needed several years to hold that trophy for the first time.

 

I watch hockey because I love the sport. I couldn't care less that it gets low ratings or what anybody else things about it. I generally don't watch the NBA because it bores me. The only part of the game that excites me is the finish of close games. Even then, the flow is ruined by the constant time outs.

 

Interesting, I was trying to find the current viewer numbers, and found this instead....from 1999. What would the NBA give now for a 12 share...

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=980CE0DC153AF936A15755C0A96F958260

 

The NBA would be thrilld with a 12 now. Sandomir is the grim reaper of the NBA. Things are caving in.

 

Short term, the NBA really needed to have Phoenix in these finals.

Long term, they need to see some powers grow in the Eastern Conference. ANd at least one of those needs to be Boston, New York or Philly.