I very agree. Every sport has some bad guys . The people that watch the NFL are the ones saying shit like the NBA "thug league". One time on the bus, my bus driver was saying that she doesn't like basketball because of guys like AI. I think the hip-hop culture turns lots of fans away.
I've been a massive fan of the NBA since 1991, but I must admit, AI and gangsta culture threw me off and I didn't start getting into the NBA again until 2008. I'm loving what I'm seeing, it's slowly returning to the way it used to be, imo the gangsta culture is slowly waning off, and some interesting players are around.
The NBA is never going to be like it was in the 90's, but, it's in a better place now than it's been for some time. I love it.
I am very worried about the Celts right now. I think they might get knocked out either the first or second round.
I hate to say it, but I think the Celtics' window has closed. They just haven't been good enough this season. I was really hoping for a Boston-LA rematch.
Time to rebuild, and do so around Rondo. Keep Doc Rivers. It's a shame, because they've got a great cast.
I'm thinking a Cavs-Lakers finals this year.
I'm not so sure, and if you ask me, if it is Cavs-Lakers, I think LeQueen will buckle under the pressure again. He just doesn't have the maturity to lead a championship team... yet. Orlando are now tested, I think they'll own Cleveland again.
I have a feeling that if LA and Denver meet, the Lakers could have a much harder test on their hands. They've been over-relaxed this season, but who knows, maybe they'll turn up the heat in the Playoffs. This is after all where it counts.