Why the NBA Sucks

The NBA doesn't actually suck. Really, it doesn't. I knew the captivating, controversial title would sucker basketball fans in. With that said, there's absolutely no denying that the NBA can't compete with the NFL or NHL entertainment-wise. A meaningful World Series with two "newer" teams could even propel MLB past NBA, and baseball just hasn't been all that good in the past few years (gee, wonder why?). Not being able to sit through an entire NBA game has nothing to do with my hatred for the sport. I'll watch an entire college basketball game, even those not called by the great Mike Patrick. Not so much with the NBA, though.

Why the NBA sucks: No reason to watch an entire game

NBA games are exactly like pro wrestling tag team matches, in that they all go one of two ways.

Scenario 1: The "squash" match. Team A dominates Team B throughout the contest, eventually hitting one big finishing maneuver/three pointer to put its opponent away for good.

Scenario 2: Team A starts out strong, beating the crap out of Team B. Team B makes a comeback, probably started by a poke in the eye (in the corner/under the rim) or other dastardly move. Team A rallies, and either wins in dramatic fashion or just runs out of steam.

Watching anything other than the final five minutes (two minutes, if you ask my old man) of any NBA game is just a waste of time. Nothing of any real consequence happens during the first 40 minutes of "action," as the players are just going through the motions until it's time to actually start caring. Watch a movie, go for a walk or take a nap, then turn the game on sometime during the fourth quarter. Your time will be much better spent.

Why the NBA sucks: It takes approximately 38 minutes to complete the final 90 seconds of any game

This has been a running joke about the NBA since the 90s. Things are going to be worse during the 2010-11 season, as the video replay rules have been extended. Refs can now use video replay to review foul calls, see which player should be shooting free throws and watch those oh-so-clever NBA on ESPN commercials. In the time it takes the last 60 seconds of an NBA game to evaporate, you could play an entire game in NBA Elite and still catch the final 30 seconds of the actual NBA game.

Why the NBA sucks: Regular season means nothing

I howl with laughter whenever an NBA fan makes fun of me for watching college basketball, stating that college basketball means absolutely nothing until March. When's the last time an NBA season meant anything at all? Teams with losing or .500 records make the playoffs every year. This brings up another point. Why does the NBA insist upon rewarding the Eastern Conference with eight playoff teams when it's clear the conference only has 4-6 real teams? Did anybody really believe Chicago was making it to the Finals last spring?

Why the NBA sucks: Already know which four teams are playing in the conference finals

It's the end of October, and I, along with most basketball fans, could accurately predict at least three of the four teams that will be playing in the 2011 NBA Conference Finals. I'm not saying that the league fixes the outcome of regular season or playoff games. I'm merely suggesting that teams in certain cities and/or with certain players may be given favorable playoff match-ups, as well as questionable calls during games, in order to increase the likelihood that those teams will play more basketball games, be on TV more and potentially win a championship, which would result in more merchandise sales and ad revenue.

Oh wait. That's exactly what "rigging" a sport means? Nah, that can't be what's going on here. I'm sure it's a coincidence that certain teams that were struggling to hang around .500 in January and February magically start playing well once springtime comes.

This isn't some weird conspiracy. Go to your local sports bar during the NBA Playoffs or talk to a casual (not die hard) basketball fan. Sports fans don't think the NBA is rigged. They know it is in their heart of hearts. That's the biggest reason the league "sucks."

Before posting the random thoughts above, I asked ten random sports/basketball fans about the NBA. This included people that don't really like the league, as well as those that follow teams such as the Celtics, Bulls and Knicks. Eight of those ten told me they have no doubt the NBA is fixed in some way. Those individuals didn't feel the same about the NHL, MLB or NFL. Just the NBA. Neither they nor I have proof that the league, in 2010, is fixed in any way. Their opinions on the subject are, well, their opinions.

The NBA is a joke to those eight sports fans, and it is to me as well. I'm sure some of you loyal NBA fans are saying "if you're so brilliant, you tell me how you'd fix the NBA!" Why would I waste my time? In the fall, I have college and pro football, the start of the NHL season, the end of the MLB season and the MLS playoffs. In winter, the NHL and college basketball keep me more than entertained. The Stanley Cup Playoffs and start of the MLB and MLS seasons are way more exciting than the NBA Playoffs. I'm doing just fine ignoring the NBA.

Until the league starts rigging things in favor of my beloved Bulls again.

More from Associated Content: MLS is awesome, Head shots = suspensions, Power rankings mean zilch