I thought the finals overall were entertaining. Unfortunately, it only went five games; only three of which were close. As a self proclaimed Laker fan, I’m not against the results by any means (I do love all NBA basketball, though). Here are some ideas I have for the NBA to change about the finals:
Pre-game and In-game crews:
Why are they always the same? I mean, I understand that it’s important to become familiar with the people that will be calling the games. But I get that in the season; also in the playoffs. Why not switch up the radio guys with the TV guys?
I like Hubie Brown and would like to see another perspective. Everyone views the game differently and Hubie and others have different experiences and expertise to bring to the broadcasts. Why do you have to get us loyal NBA viewers stuck in a rut? You know where I’m coming from, religious NBA viewers??
I’m not saying they should bring in people we’ve never seen broadcast before. All I’m asking for is a game or two where the TV guys do radio and vice versa. Does that frighten you, ABC? If it does, that shows exactly why I like TNT broadcasts more than yours.
Schedule-ness
This is something where I agree with Phil Jackson. Someone asked Phil about how this time of year it the greatest and what not. Phil went on to say that it was great, but all the scheduled practices and media availability was something that killed the greatness.
Why can’t we give these guys a little time to enjoy? Let them pick when they want to practice and talk to the media? These are professionals, employees of the league. Since the league says when they should play, it’s only fair to allow them some flexibility in setting other parts of their profession.
These are very well paid professionals, though. I would certainly shut up if I was getting those kinds of bills. Call it a slight gripe, not a full on complaint.
2-3-2 Format
This is a change that @eMomma78 sent via Twitter. She wants the 2-2-1-1-1 used, rather than the 2-3-2. 2-2-1-1-1 is the norm for the first three rounds.
I don’t really have a problem with it. Either format you have, all it comes down to is executing. I do believe that being on your homecourt is a huge advantage, but this format changes nothing in terms of who gets more games on their floor. If you earn homecourt, you have nothing to gripe about with this format.
I wouldn’t mind if the same format (2-2-1-1-1) was used throughout all four rounds though. It’s not a must-do, but it would be nice.
People who ask ?’s in Press Conferences
If you’ve every watched the press conferences, you know they suck. They ask all the questions that these guys are expecting. Can’t they be original and actually pick these guys brains? I know it’s hard to get the best answers in the world out of these guys, but damn.
Something else they don’t do is adapt to the persons traits. You should know that after a tough loss, or something like that, a person’s going to be very mum and irritated in their answers. If you don’t pick that up after the first couple of answers, you’re an idiot. But they keep pushing that envelope that pisses the person off.
Why? Because they are that mainstream media that sucks and needs to let great people ask hard questions! That was rant worthy!
Take some time off for now, NBA. But, before next season’s preparations get into full force, take a look at this post and make the NBA finals even better next year. You know you want to!