No, there is no NBA season right now, but that doesnt meanthere arent things to be thankful for. Not having an NBA season has been abummer for many, but if you take a look past the empty arenas youll find thereare still things to appreciate --College basketball: Rather than dissecting all thats wrong with thecollege game or why it doesnt compare with the NBA, its time to appreciate itfor what its worth: an up-and-running, functional sport with competitive teamsand players who love the game.
--Officiating: After getting a heavy doseof the NFL in recent weeks and its incessant reliance on replay, its time to recognize NBArefsthe best in all of professional sports.--Warriors fans: Despite the fact thatthe Warriors have had virtually no success over the past 17 years, their fanshave remained among the leagues best. Ive been around Warriors fans for about20 years now, and if going to Oracle Arena were like going to games inCharlotte, Memphis, Washington or Minnesota the job wouldnt be nearly as fun.Thanks.--The charge-block call: I havent seen acharge called in a while and its been glorious. Nothing worse than a big mansliding inlate, of courseto take a charge against an athletic offensiveplayer going to the rim. Its a call thats ruining the game, but at least itsbeen gone this fall.--No lame distractions: There have beenno Hoop Troops, no pizza giveaways, no bad karaoke contests for cellphones andno unnecessary extra crap that takes away from the game itself.
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