Ok, ok so you’re probably wondering how a lockout could be good. Me too. And then it hit me. There’s been so much doom and gloom about the lockout. Negotiations went one step forward when the two sides decided to meet but then the lawsuit sent them back two steps. Everybody is saying that this season will probably will be canceled. But hey, in this darkness there are somethings we need to pay attention to. We’ll look at some (couple) of ways the lockout can look good and then what we can look forward to when (if?) it ends.
During the lockout:
One thing is that we will know who is committed to improving their game. Look at Evan Turner. He’s working on one of the weakest parts of his game: Shooting. Ok he was the college player of the year in 2010 for a reason but still his shot was not so great. It’s great to see the second pick of the draft being humble about himself and trying to improve his game.
The players who are serious about their game will be working hard this extended off season. We’ll be able to have a better idea of who is committed to being a better player. There are no coaches to push these players. It’s up to them to take the initiative to get better.
Also, as fans, we may have a new or renewed sense of appreciation for the game of basketball. I don’t know for sure if we have taken basketball and the NBA for granted but the lockout has been such an impact for fans. You see it all over the place. Blogs barely active now. Loss of jobs. The NBA is going to lose some fans which means less money. Sean has been doing a great job keeping this blog active in this boring time. I’m trying to help out too. This is a really great site and I’m glad to be a part of it.
Ok so it kinda comes down to that phrase “You don’t know what you have till it’s gone”. When the NBA gets its stuff together, we the fans should make sure we don’t take it for granted.
After the lockout:
And then, when the lockout ends, we’ve got somethings to look forward to.
New Ownership is here. I think this is the start of something better. When you look at the different changes the Sixers made and things did not change, there was that one constant: Ed Snider. I’m sure he cared about the Sixers but it always seemed like he gave more attention tot he Flyers. All I ever wanted was an owner who was fully committed to the 76ers. I’m hoping that Harris will try to bring an excitement back to Philly in basketball. It seems like college hoops have more fans than the Sixers. I’m not asking for a Mark Cuban type owner but I’m hoping to see some passion. He’s young enough to be able to be actively involved in team decisions. Elton Brand’s contract may slow him down in his rebuilding plans but who knows what he’s got up his sleeve?
Long story short, I’m happy about some fresh faces on the top to make some moves.
After the lockout ends there’s another thing to look forward to: 76er basketball! I love watching the Sixers. Been watching them since 2000-2001 season. I want to see them get back to the finals and win this time. My mom watched the finals in 82-83 and always commented on how dominant they were when they beat the Lakers. I want to see it myself someday.
This past season was a better season in a while and I was pumped for the next season that may not even come now. Keep your head up people. We’re gonna get through this.