Is the NBA fixed?

[celtsfan84]

I don't believe it but looking at some of horribly reffed games in the past I can understand why someone would think that.
It's not helping the NBA's case though especially when people think of not only this game, but the 2002 game 6 WCF in the 4th quarter for example.

It takes a special kind of person though to go back to a game 10 years ago to try to support a conspiracy theory.

Especially when last night's game was pretty evenly called apart from 2 techs.

Totally agree here.  There were 2 bad technical calls, but to compare this to Lakers-Kings from a decade ago, wow.  The NBA must've done a pretty good job since that game a decade back.

[CelticHooligan3]

I don't know if it's fixed but somehere along the line the refs were given far too much power. I think this era was ushered in by Jordan and the concept of a living breathing legend on the court. The league relies on these types of SuperStars for ratings and revenue and therefore have a convoluted "agenda" because of this fact.

When the physicality and self policing of the game went away the refs became the stars in their own right. Now they are arguably just as big a part of "the show" then any player. And many have egos that would rival any player. That is the real problem.

Consistency in calls in also a major issue that has been addressed by stern very casually and in my personal opinion I think he will see the die hards fans leave in droves if all these problems persist.

People said that after the lockout too but the NBA had one of its best TV ratings seasons ever.  I don't see people leaving in droves.

What part didn't you understand? The fact that I said "die hard" fans as opposed to "casual" NBA fans?

Or the fact that I clearly stated it was just my opinion and would happen in the FUTURE eventually?

[celtsfan84]

I don't know if it's fixed but somehere along the line the refs were given far too much power. I think this era was ushered in by Jordan and the concept of a living breathing legend on the court. The league relies on these types of SuperStars for ratings and revenue and therefore have a convoluted "agenda" because of this fact.

When the physicality and self policing of the game went away the refs became the stars in their own right. Now they are arguably just as big a part of "the show" then any player. And many have egos that would rival any player. That is the real problem.

Consistency in calls in also a major issue that has been addressed by stern very casually and in my personal opinion I think he will see the die hards fans leave in droves if all these problems persist.

People said that after the lockout too but the NBA had one of its best TV ratings seasons ever.  I don't see people leaving in droves.

What part didn't you understand? The fact that I said "die hard" fans as opposed to "casual" NBA fans?

Or the fact that I clearly stated it was just my opinion and would happen in the FUTURE eventually?

People have been saying that for decades.  I appreciate your ability to predict the future, but the NBA could care less as long as total viewership is growing.  If 1 die hard leaves the party and 10 casual fans join the party, the NBA will be thrilled.

 

[fairweatherfan]

The officiating in the NBA can be pretty awful at times, and there's clearly different standards for stars vs non-stars.  And the more subjective the call, the more inconsistent it tends to be.  The league needs to take steps to remove the subjectivity, situational considerations, and especially the refs' egos from how calls are made. 

But I don't think anyone here really believes it's fixed.  If it was, why bother watching?  If it's not, why say so?  And again, if it's rigged, we're one of the biggest beneficiaries - we have 3 titles, 3 finals appearances, and several conference finals since Stern got here.

If you do believe it's fixed, I suggest a little test - judging things in hindsight is easy.  But since the league is so blatantly rigged, it shouldn't be hard to make a few predictions in advance.  Specific, clear ones that can be objectively true or false, not vague things like "LeBron will get all the calls, y'all". 

Write em down and keep track of your hits and misses.  The smart, discerning fans who see through this massive conspiracy should also be able to consistently predict how that conspiracy will play out, right?  Those 3 straight years of Kobe-LeBron finals matchups can attest to that.

Never say "But I don't think anyone here really believes it's fixed."

There are still people who believe that the earth is flat, people who believe the earth is only 6000 years old, people who believe that Bush 2 had an IQ below 100, people who believe that Obama is a Muslim, people who believe we never landed on the moon, people who believe in Bigfoot, etc. People can believe all sorts of things.

Thanks, I had no idea people could believe farfetched things sometimes.  This was very enlightening.

It's not that I don't think anyone anywhere believes the NBA is rigged, but the sort of people who would be taking time to post about it probably are just venting, and maybe think the league is frequently unfair or biased, but not flat-out rigged. 

It's a peculiar kind of masochism that would lead someone to continue to seek out a purely optional entertainment choice that they sincerely believe is rigged to prevent their preferred outcome.  Not impossible, but seems unlikely among the type of fans that come here.  Maybe they're in an abusive relationship with David Stern, though.

[rondohondo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjRcTiwVEwo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvkKdXLwt0U&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbMEACw4RZ4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJnXxQlPC48

yup not fixed or influenced by the refs at all

[guava_wrench]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJnXxQlPC48

yup not fixed or influenced by the refs at all

Our inability to defend Pau Gasol and Bynum at the same time with KG our only legit healthy big? Nothing to see there.

[OttawaCeltic]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjRcTiwVEwo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvkKdXLwt0U&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbMEACw4RZ4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJnXxQlPC48

yup not fixed or influenced by the refs at all

THIS

[guava_wrench]

The officiating in the NBA can be pretty awful at times, and there's clearly different standards for stars vs non-stars.  And the more subjective the call, the more inconsistent it tends to be.  The league needs to take steps to remove the subjectivity, situational considerations, and especially the refs' egos from how calls are made.  

But I don't think anyone here really believes it's fixed.  If it was, why bother watching?  If it's not, why say so?  And again, if it's rigged, we're one of the biggest beneficiaries - we have 3 titles, 3 finals appearances, and several conference finals since Stern got here.

If you do believe it's fixed, I suggest a little test - judging things in hindsight is easy.  But since the league is so blatantly rigged, it shouldn't be hard to make a few predictions in advance.  Specific, clear ones that can be objectively true or false, not vague things like "LeBron will get all the calls, y'all".  

Write em down and keep track of your hits and misses.  The smart, discerning fans who see through this massive conspiracy should also be able to consistently predict how that conspiracy will play out, right?  Those 3 straight years of Kobe-LeBron finals matchups can attest to that.

Never say "But I don't think anyone here really believes it's fixed."

There are still people who believe that the earth is flat, people who believe the earth is only 6000 years old, people who believe that Bush 2 had an IQ below 100, people who believe that Obama is a Muslim, people who believe we never landed on the moon, people who believe in Bigfoot, etc. People can believe all sorts of things.

Thanks, I had no idea people could believe farfetched things sometimes.  This was very enlightening.

It's not that I don't think anyone anywhere believes the NBA is rigged, but the sort of people who would be taking time to post about it probably are just venting, and maybe think the league is frequently unfair or biased, but not flat-out rigged.  

It's a peculiar kind of masochism that would lead someone to continue to seek out a purely optional entertainment choice that they sincerely believe is rigged to prevent their preferred outcome.  Not impossible, but seems unlikely among the type of fans that come here.  Maybe they're in an abusive relationship with David Stern, though.

I personally feel that questioning people's genuineness in situations like this is unfair. They are fans of a team. Not only does this keep them watching, but it also leads them to seem explanations for disappointing outcomes.

Some want things black and white. If someone has a different political party to them, then there must be something intrinsically wrong with them -- such they are dumb or Muslim (from a particular perspective, I don't want to get sidetracked. The general idea is some people start to generalize the bad-ness of anyone opposing their team). People can confabulate all sorts of odd ideas in order to protect a core part of their identity. Group identities, such as team allegiance, can be really powerful. So that strong team allegiance will keep them watching.

[ballin]

I don't know if it's fixed but somehere along the line the refs were given far too much power. I think this era was ushered in by Jordan and the concept of a living breathing legend on the court. The league relies on these types of SuperStars for ratings and revenue and therefore have a convoluted "agenda" because of this fact.

When the physicality and self policing of the game went away the refs became the stars in their own right. Now they are arguably just as big a part of "the show" then any player. And many have egos that would rival any player. That is the real problem.

Consistency in calls in also a major issue that has been addressed by stern very casually and in my personal opinion I think he will see the die hards fans leave in droves if all these problems persist.

People said that after the lockout too but the NBA had one of its best TV ratings seasons ever.  I don't see people leaving in droves.

What part didn't you understand? The fact that I said "die hard" fans as opposed to "casual" NBA fans?

Or the fact that I clearly stated it was just my opinion and would happen in the FUTURE eventually?

I disagree that hardcore fans would "will leave the league in droves" anytime soon. The league is about as popular as it ever has been, and for the most part officiating has improved (obviously aside from last night's game and a few other choice areas).

That said, even though it has improved, I agree that the officiating is bad. I also agree that a lot of it has to do with consistency, and refs like Joey Crawford think that they're part of the show. And finally, I agree with your point that marketing "superstars" is bad for a variety of reasons, and that the league would be far better off if they tried to market "teams".

[JSD]

[LooseCannon]

Someone please explain to me what outcome Stern wants.  Does he want Miami to win in 4 or 5?  Does he want Miami to win, but the series to be drawn out to 6 or 7 games because that is better for TV?  Does he want the series to be at least 6 games, but not care that much who wins?

[rondohondo]

Someone please explain to me what outcome Stern wants.  Does he want Miami to win in 4 or 5?  Does he want Miami to win, but the series to be drawn out to 6 or 7 games because that is better for TV?  Does he want the series to be at least 6 games, but not care that much who wins?

the c's heat series will go 6 games at least because the c's will get the calls in the next game or 2 to make up forgame 1, which is just as bad

and yes ratings plays into it

stern is praying for a okc miami finals, although i think sas will win.

[More Banners]

Someone please explain to me what outcome Stern wants. 

A) Does he want Miami to win in 4 or 5? 

B) Does he want Miami to win, but the series to be drawn out to 6 or 7 games because that is better for TV? 

C) Does he want the series to be at least 6 games, but not care that much who wins?

I'm sure Stern and all of the owners want longer series every round.  There's just more money that way, and it builds excitement that enhances revenue in other ways than the gate.

I vote for C, but B is likely also true due to likely higher ratings.

[SHAQATTACK]

Who sells more T-Shirts, TV commerials , effects TV rating more ., the big market Idol of a a bizillion 10 year olds wanting their parents to spend -spend -spend $$$$$$$

LeBron (Lebrick  ) I mean  or Paul Pierce?   

For the cHEAT not to make the finals would be a huge blow to the pockets of the NBA .

Please ...everybody get your minds right .....and don't mess up the show.

Millons are at stake.

[Q_FBE]

I never understood why having My Hammy in the finals would give you a better rating than having Boston in the finals. The Boston Celtics are the Boston Celtics and appeal to the Old School Fans of the NBA.