Filed under: 76ers, Heat, Magic, Timberwolves, Warriors, Wizards, NBA Videos, The WorksWelcome to The Works. Today, we suggest more items the Timberwolves should try to return and Rob Peterson pays tribute to the press conference stylings of Stan Van Gundy.
But first, is the league sabotaging its opening day buzz?
Hype Management 101
I understand the logic: fans have waited months to see the Miami Heat action; to get a glimpse of John Wall in a real NBA game; or savor any other offseason developments that we've been debating all summer. The league has to cash in fast, and early, on the season's starting bell, since interest goes on the wane after that first week or two, only to return in full force with the playoffs. Never is it higher than in that October Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday cycle. I don't like it that way, but it's a fact of commerce. Trust me on this: I've had two books rushed on the production side of things to feed this very beast.
And what better way for the league to trot out its flashy new toys than to put them up against some real competition? If the Heat are supposed to contend like no new team before or since, throw them at the Boston Celtics -- LeBron James's arch-rivals and chief tormentors. Plus, the former home of new Boston bigs Shaquille O'Neal (and Jermaine O'Neal, too).
Excited to see John Wall tear up the NBA like he did the NCAA? Let's put that kid to the test, and pit his hapless Wizards up against the excruciatingly professional Orlando Magic. Oh, and for good measure, we'll have Dwight Howard, reigning Defensive Player of the Year and perhaps the only guy in the league who can stop blazing-fast point guards, guarding the rim.
Certainly, this approach to opening week scheduling layers hype on top of more hype, to the point where we just might all explode or collapse from anticipation. But it's also a disaster waiting to happen. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
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