The National Basketball Association’s popularity is at an all time high. The game has grown globally at an exponential rate. The amount of young marketable stars in the league has never been higher. These are young men who play a game where everyone sees their face, they wear cool shoes, and for the most part seem like decent human beings. Globally it is pushing soccer for the most played sport. A ball, a basket, available in most cultures throughout the world.
Adam Silver could not be happier. He is considered forward thinking with his support of legalized gambling and daily fantasy sports. His league was the first to pass advertising on the jersey’s, opening Pandora’s box to every and all marketing and advertising ideas in the future. He has billionaires knocking on his door constantly trying to buy franchises in his league. Life is pretty good high in the offices of 645 5th Avenue.
Not so fast Adam. Have you looked at your league in the face recently. Warriors have 5 All Stars, and 2 of the top 3 players in the entire league. They ADDED to their roster this off season. They are more than head and shoulders above every other team. It begs the question, is this fun? Is this what the league wants? 1 top dog and everyone else playing some sort of catch up. The NBA is entertaining. Without question on any given night you can see highlight reel plays by any number of players on teams that win and teams that sit in the basement of the league. If you are watching for pure entertainment reasons then this league is great as is. However, if you are hoping for competitive basketball played at the high level on the grandest stage, you are going to be waiting for quite some time. We all know it as “The New NBA”, where guys team up and try to win titles. But hey if they don’t win a title, guess what they are still boys, counting their millions in the bank and sippin’ red wine at dinner. But it’s not competitive when one team has WAY better roster than anyone else can even sniff.
Does this have culture of inclusion and the ‘fun’ NBA have an end in sight? And what might it look like? I give you the 2024 NBA PREVIEW.
All NBA 1st Team:
G- Ben Simmons, Point Guard, Philadelphia 76ers: Coming off his first MVP campaign and second straight NBA title appearance, Ben and the 76ers look to avenge that game 7 loss. Ben also made headlines this summer, as the first ever major athlete to compete on the new show (re-make of an old show), called Survivor.
G- Donovan Mitchell, Shooting Point Guard, Utah Jazz: Mitchell continues to push his game to new heights. His 6 straight All Star appearances and overall versatility have consistently improved over the years. I would love to see this guy get more MVP consideration, he is a true Super Star. Fun Fact: The D Mix V’s were the hottest selling shoes last year.
F- Giannis Anteknounpo, Point Forward, Milwaukee Bucks: The 3 time MVP finished second in the voting last year after averaging, 30.2 ppg, 9.2 rebounds, 3.1 steals, 4.3 assists. Giannis appears re-invigorated this season as the Bucks added All Star Lauri Markkanen via free agency, shortly after Markkanen signed veteran grey beard, James Harden signed a 1 year deal for one last shot at a title.
F- Luka Doncic, Point Forward, Dallas Mavericks: Doncic is re-defining what the European player looks like and who he hangs out with. We thought Tristan Thompson and Jimmy Garappolo were hittin’ it to some hotties. Doncic continues to defy the odds, making Rob Gronkowski’s escapades look like an alter boy. If I had a dime for every porn star this man has had in the last year, well I would have A LOT of dimes.
Somehow this has never translated to a slow down on the hardwood. That silky smooth Euro step. The J has developed into a real threat. Doncic has become more of a killer. Watch out.
C- Joel Embiid, Center, Philadelphia 76er’s: Embiid’s first feature film was a BANGER. The remake of “The Air Up There” Embiid plays Saleh and delivers an A+ performance. Michael B. Jordan reprises the role of Jimmy Dolan (Kevin Bacon) and is up for an Oscar this year. On a lighter note Embiid’s fourth season of 60 plus games, the guy continues to evolve.
Power Rankings Heading Into the 2024 Season:
5. Brooklyn Nets- Brooklyn might have finally reversed the curse of the Pierce, Garnett trade. The Nets bowed out in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs last year, but are thirsty for more. Led by veterans Caris Levert and Jarrett Allen, the Boyz of Brooklyn are looking up. The recently sold team is no longer hiding behind the Iron Curtain. Free from the grasp of the Prokhorov, Joseph C. Tsai ushers in a new, calmer Nets. Coach (and Nets Legend) Kerry Kittles has this team on the brink of stardom. It’s almost too cool for Brooklyn hipsters to like this team at this point. Almost.
4. Seattle Super Sonics- Seattle’s return to the league 3 years ago and the fans are still RABID. The statue of Detlef Schrempf in front of the new arena seems over the top but, whatever gets ya going. Fortunately, they were gifted a ready to win roster. Kawhi Leonard still hates being in obscurity, kinda…. But secretly he loves those salmon eatin’, Starbucks drinkin’ fans. Michael Porter Jr.’s was selected by them late in the expansion draft and after a ground breaking 4th back surgery has REDEFINED what back surgeons can do, this man is now closer to a cyborg. Klay Thompson loves the Pacific Northwest, and is butter on a roll. If only this team was together 4 years ago, they could have really made a push for a title.
3. Philadelphia 76er’s- Easily could make the case for number 1, but the depth of this team could be the issue. Embiid and Simmons are a can’t miss 1, 2 punch but who is going to be that 3rd scoring option. Recently back from his 4th sports psychological exam, Markelle Fultz might be turning the corner….baby steps Markelle baby steps. Veterans Aaron Gordon and Andre Drummond, add depth but little ability. They would be the favorites in the Eastern Conference unless for….
2. Milwaukee Bucks- Giannis Anteknounpo strangle hold of this league has come full circle. He has truly learned to dominate. Gone are the days of hearing about that basketball player turned actor turned politician LeBron James. Giannis is redefining the point forward position. 3 MVP trophies and a lock for the Hall of Fame, now he has his sights set on his second NBA title. Loaded with Lauri Markanen, James Harden, and the newly emerged Frank Ntilikina this team is the class of the Eastern Conference.
1.Dallas Mavericks- Mavericks are going for their second straight title under the hand of the slayer himself Luka Doncic. Paired with the explosive Dennis Smith Jr., the wily veteran former MVP himself Anthony Davis, and the steady winning hand of Jalen Brunson. Mark Cuban, new Pittsburgh Pirates owner, has got what he always wanted a dominant force. Under the first ever, co-coaches Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash, this team looks to be the next dynasty in the making.
Other NBA notables–
Lonzo Ball and the brothers Balls are enjoying their 3rd season abroad this year playing for his Dad’s newly formed league in Panama, name the Canal My Ball League.
DeAndre Ayton, out of the league for 2 years now, recently signed on for the re-make of Celebrity Fit Club after ballooning to 410 Lbs.
Draymond Green won the senate seat in his state of Michigan and swears he will push for the White House. God help us all.
Coach K, Williams, Calipari, and Pitino are all enjoying their time behind bars after the FBI investigation wrapped up just over a year ago. A new docuseries called Coach: The Life of an Inmate premieres next month on Showtime.
The Bullfrog 