1. Even when you think no one is looking, always do a good job, and always try to "get it right" even if you've posted it wrong the first time.
2. In addition to current posts, or in combination with them, work in excellent pieces which address long-standing issues, especially ones that haven't been worked over from a hundred different angles. I find that these posts bring in readers long after they are published.
3. Participate in a community or two where you can link back to your posts to draw readers. You might consider outposts of the abolished Sportingnews.com member blogs... yougabsports.com and t-s-b-n.com. Both communities have excellent writers and people who are willing to help.
4. Trade links with writers/bloggers to pull in NBA Fans either from area sites such as a blog that concentrates on Bears Football (readers might follow the Bulls, too, but your site will not be a threat to their site) or NBA sites which may concentrate on stats or other niche aspects without the stories you provide.
I could go on, but I think those would help get you started. -- Sharp