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I'd have to agree with Kurant on some points - the game has really deteriorated.
Most people can remember the 80's to 90's basketball era - often considered one of the golden ages - why? Because of great players and far more competition between teams.
Theres defenitely a shift now - West dominance and the titles being in the hands of a few teams in the last 5 years (the Lakers and Spurs of course).
I've been a fan of basketball for a long time but IMO its true the players are what draw fans - Jordan even playing with the shitty Wizards practically assured sell outs - hell I remember the last game Jordan played against Lakers w/ Washington was sold out months before and no other games near it were sold out at the time.
Problem is that many players these days no longer draw fans like they used to - name whatever you want, from controversy over salaries to huge egos, they're no longer the draws they once were and ever since the game has sagged imo.
People would pay to watch Jordan, Bird, Johnson, etc. - but I cant say many people would pay to watch Iverson, McGrady, etc.
LeBron is an example of a player who can sell tickets similar to Jordan and what not.
And I do want to make it a point that basketball is really like the one sport where a majority of teams can exist 30 years and still have no championships
just my take anyways
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