Should Calgary pursue an NBA franchise?

[Dion]

Originally Posted by pylon

Try closer to 3000 per game. The biggest attendance ever was for the all-star game in `89 which was 9000. I went to a ton of 88`s games and they were lucky to fill half the lower bowl.

Guess my memory isn't like it used to be. I went to a ton of games myself and enjoyed the product they put on the floor. Was sad to see the league fold.

[Dan02]

Just say no to the NBA, not enough people in calgary could give a crap about basketball.

[Regulator75]

Basketball? Hell no.

[Finny61]

NBA has never been the same after Jordan left for the 2nd or 3rd time, NBA Jam became a game of yesteryear, and dance techno music was no longer cool.

[7uongo]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Rofl. You don't know much about the ABA, do you? That's like saying nobody in this city would want a Porche because they refuse to buy a used Chevy Nova.

You think people would be interested in buying a Porche when there isnt any interest in buying cars? Good thing you dont own a high end dealership in a city who dont like cars

If there was interest in watching live basketball, they'd be there at the Drillers games, and we'd at least be able to sustain a pro basketball team for more than a single season. The idea that the NBA would even have an ounce of interest in Calgary is a joke

[pylon]

Originally Posted by 7uongo

You think people would be interested in buying a Porche when there isnt any interest in buying cars? Good thing you dont own a high end dealership in a city who dont like cars

If there was interest in watching live basketball, they'd be there at the Drillers games, and we'd at least be able to sustain a pro basketball team for more than a single season. The idea that the NBA would even have an ounce of interest in Calgary is a joke

Well, ABA is a tough comparison. Any league that allows you to start a franchise with $15,000 doesn't take it self to seriously. $15,000 buys you a season and a half in a local men's beer hockey league, and our attendance numbers reflect it.

[schteve_d]

People still play and/or watch basketball?

Huh.

[Bertuzzied]

Calgary should pursue a NHL franchise. hehe.

[Bertuzzied]

Originally Posted by schteve_d

People still play and/or watch basketball?

Huh.

Yup. well just the last 3 minutes of the game. The first 45 minutes are useless.

[bcb]

Here's the thing, though. the NBA is in numerous cities that when you include the surrounding area, are smaller than, or equal to Calgary, including Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, and New Orleans.

Keep in mind, Calgary wasn't what it was in the early 90's with it's sports franchises. A strong CDN$ along with a wealthy overall demorgraphic would likely allow Calgary to support a team, on paper at least.

Ok, I'll really stir the pot now

I predict Calgary could better support an NBA franchise (in the long run) than Winnipeg could support NHL.

[Bertuzzied]

whoops

[VladtheImpaler]

I'll donate $100 to ensure that basketball never appears on television and is never played live within 100 miles of me...

[ken0042]

^^ You know, I may have said the same thing before. In 2004-05 I tried my best to get into basketball, but just couldn't.

Then a few years ago on a sports trip we decided we should also see NBA; just to be able to say we did it. I've now been to 3 NBA games, and they are a lot of fun to attend live. In fact on the last trip one of the guys tried to veto the basketball game, and the rest of us insisted.

[AFireInside]

No. Because basketball is terrible to watch.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

I'll donate $100 to ensure that basketball never appears on television and is never played live within 100 miles of me...

While I would never question your right to not like basketball, saying you'd donate $100 to make sure no one else is able to watch it is a pretty nutso comment to make.

1. It's about as right-wing as you can possibly get.
2. $100 is a pretty crazy number. I think you'd have to come up with a lot more than that.

Anyway, putting the crazy stuff aside... I see a lot of people making general "I hate" comments in this thread, but I've never understood why people hate basketball in this city.

If someone were to ask me why I hate MLB, I can hammer out a top 10 list of reasons in about 30 seconds... so why do you guys hate basketball?

[henriksedin33]

Originally Posted by bcb

I wonder why NBA in Vancouver failed and is doing reasonably well in Toronto.

need I continue?

I would go as far as to say the Grizzlies would still be in Vancouver if they had traded for Nash when they had the chance to get him for a song (he went to the Mavs in exchange for 3 nobodies).

[DrPepper]

Calgary had a basketball team a in the early 2000's I think, they played at the Corral and I think they didn't even last a year or two. But I do believe that if the Saddledome or possibly the new dome gets a basketball team, it would probably do a whole lot better. I know I'd definetly go and watch the games.

[FiftyBelow]

I'd rather have the U of C join the NCAA then having an NBA team... even if the the former is absolutely never going to happen. IMO, NCAA basketball is a lot more entertaining.

[ResAlien]

Worst. Idea. Ever. There is no way Calgary supports an NBA franchise. Do we really need to go back to old failures to prove this?

[DrPepper]

I remember now, Calgary had a basketball team in 2004, it was a minor-pro basketball expansion team for the ABA (American Basketball Association) and they didn't even last a year yet alone a few games. They Played at the Corral.