For the sake of argument, let's say the NBA playoffs aren't as clean as the NBA would like us to believe. Let's say television money, from around the world, is very important. If this is true, then the NBA could have a big problem for the finals. The FIFA world cup...
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How is the NBA going to compete with that? Not so much in the US, as in the rest of the world. Who in Europe or Asia wants to see basketball when the daylong diet is soccer?
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Now, I haven't researched the financial situation in terms of where the television money is coming from, and how it is divided among the NBA, but if international money means anything, the NBA has only one shot: Shaq. (remember, the NBA markets itself though its superstars, and, apart from Germany, nobody in the rest of the world gives a ratz azz about Dirk).
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I'll be watching the first game -no bet- to see how Shaq is called.
My guess is the NBA wants him to have a big series. That would be the best storyline: Shaq gets 4th NBA title in close series.
Client-IP: 114.79.114.164

Then again, it could be Dallas in a flash. ;)
Client-IP: 114.79.114.164

Statfox, it's nice to see how my IP keeps changing, but it would be nicer if you would not display it. Thanks.