But I think the finals last year demonstrated the limits of individual star power. The series was totally uncompetitive, and the Cavs just didn't interest people, regardless of LeBron. And you can't even blame the Spurs, for it, either, at least not totally; Spurs-Pistons from two years before did better in the ratings, even though neither team had any "stars." But it was competitive and went the full seven games. Lakers-Celtics would have star power, two famous/storied franchises, and would almost certainly be more competitive than Lakers-Cavs.

Seems like there is a lot of hype about star power and most of that benifits the advertisers for the players in question. They tend to sell more of their product the longer their guy is in the playoffs.

How much of the superstar sells theory is people trying to sell us on that versus the reality? Superstars have tended to be in the Finals because they tend to pick good teams to play on. What about the Spurs and Tim Duncan? Is Duncan boring because he is not fun to watch or because he don't see his face in all kinds of commercials.

Last year was the lowest rated Finals of all-time. All the hype was about how excited everyone would be to see Lebran in there and the whole thing blew up in their faces. I am convinced that what sells are 2 competitive teams. Or least when the other team has a chance to win.

I can answer this. Duncan is boring because he is not fun to watch. Because he plays a clinical textbook fundamental basketball that is mind-numbing as a spectator. Because he gets the same "surprised look" on his face EVERY TIME he gets a foul called on him. The guy is just consistent beyond belief and the only time he is interesting to watch is when he is playing poorly, because it's his same old same old game and you can somewhat enjoy trying to figure out why the usual robotic approach to a creative game isn't working that night.

When the only consistently played "open with music highlight shot" of someone's basketball PERSONALITY is him holding the basketball with his arms crossed over his lower face and his eyes peeping over with all the self-revelation of an awkward eleven year old ...you know that guy's basketball persona is BORING.

Also, I like some of LeBron's commercials, but I still can't stand the guy. In an imploding capitalistic culture such as ours, sooner or later people do get tired of having products, celebrities, events and even concepts shoved down their throats. It becomes all too obvious that our only value in this culture is as consumers, and we find a place to rebel somewhere. Apparently some people drew the line with LeBron Fatigue and the Cavs last year and then of course there was Timmy again, with his signature crossarmed caress of the basketball.

I'm real tired of the same old teams. I'd like to see a few emerging teams break through to be contenders next year. God, no more Spurs in the Finals. PLEASE.

How about when he was ejected because of two technical fould called on him when he was smiling on the bench. That was not boring

I agree, somewhat.

The only star power was LeBron. It would be LeBron + Kobe this year = big difference. Another factor would be the Cavs would make it to the Finals in back to back seasons (how disgusting would that be!) that might show some that last years appearance was no fluke and tune in this time.

Bottom line,the top two superstars in the NBA (of course the NBA proclaimed, media, and sponsor superstars) would draw a bigger audience than the the two story franchises, either way, I hope we don`t find out!

I never buy into the "someone would have exposed a conspiracy", reason for not believing a conspiracy.

This is an entertainment business, first and foremost. There is an expectation of fair play and such, but if the league decided to fix all of the outcomes, that's entirely their right.

The NBA exists to make money, not provide entertainment. If it was a charity, then it would be a different story.

Doesn`t it exist for both reasons?

I know making money is first and foremost, however, it couldn`t without providing entertainment.

I think that Arlin Spector would disagree with you here. I've never thought of that. You can only hope that basketball is on the up & up.

I could be totally wrong on this... but Basketball can do whatever it wants.... where football can't because of some of the rights it has been given by the government? or is it baseball that is the one with the anti trust perks? I'm sure somebody here is versed on it and can enlighten us.

Arlen Spector is an idiot. With everything going on in the world, there are better uses of your government's time than investigating NFL Spygate.

Not to mention, that again, it's private business. The NFL should handle reprimanding it's own franchises, however it sees fit. This is the same sort of nanny stuff where parents get ticketed or threatened with losing their children for child neglect because they left them in the car so they could put mail in the mailbox.

As a society, I think we have become totally retarded. Reactionary, paranoid, overbearing, arrogant, intrusive, manipulative etc.

Bill Walton would probably say,

"Arlen Spector, you're wrong about Spygate. Just live and let live brother. Pass the bong."

__________________
Competition is merely the absence of oppression.
- Frédéric Bastiat