NBA is thinking about adding 5 European teams http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writ...sion/index.html
This is a horrible idea. I really do not understand the obsession in sports with expanding to Europe.
It is a dumb idea. I don't know why anyone would want to expand the league even further. The talent is already diluted enough and, over the course of an 82 game season, we're treated to a lot of very mediocre basketball. Also, the travel times would be ridiculous. Scheduling would be a nightmare as players would have to endure lengthy flights and major time zone changes, just to play road games. And finally, it'd totally mess with an existing set of leagues that really deserve recognition and respect. The various Euroleagues may not have the money and flash of the NBA, but they have history and culture within their respective communities and draw loyal fanbases. They cultivate homegrown European talent very well as it is and it'd be a shame to see them replaced with artificial NBA franchises.
I agree, this would be ridiculous. It's bad enough traveling from city to city sometimes 3-4 times in a week in the US, but now they're thinking of expanding to Europe? Please... The players union wouldn't and shouldn't stand for that. This wouldn't work out. I agree with everything Chutney said above. I think the NBA is fine as presently constituted. If they are hungry for expansion, try and add one franchise in each conference - in the US. Even then, I think the league is perfectly fine as-is, but European expansion is not the direction the league should head in.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>This is a great idea. I can't wait to see where the new teams might be.</div> IMO they would be the "wealthiest" teams and not the best since you will need A LOT of money to sign players and be able to compete. IMO those teams could be REAL MADRID and BARCELONA. But they would have to have a hell of a face lift since even their jersies do not comply with NBA policy where sponsors names cannot be shown on the jersey. If the NBA figures out how to lessen the jet lag and travel time... So that it wouldnt be a factor whenever they play. And these european teams should have high picks in a couple of drafts (maybe picks in the top 10 for 2 - 3 yrs.) and a league bonus for signing players since they will be stacked with europeans which will pose a miss match. If these are solved... Why not? I heard MJ agrees with it
The NBA has problems with high profile rookies not wanting to play in alot of the small markets like Toronto, Milwaukee, Memphis, ect. How do you think top prospects will react to being drafted by a European team? Can you see someone like OJ Mayo or Michael Beasley agreeing to play for an expansion franchise in Europe? Hell no. Maybe the NBA should worry about the top seed in the Western Conference not being able to fill half their seats or Key Arena costing the Sonics owners their ass just to play a game instead of expanding to a place that most likely wouldn't even welcome the league.
