What happened to Basketball? I remember when....?

Question

Players stayed with the team they started with and didn't go to another team for more money.
When being a basketball player was there only focus, now they have court cases, Rap careers, and sneaker deals.
When they try there best every game, and don't only try against certain teams or certains days.
WHAT HAPPENED??

Answer 1

They have court cases, rap careers, and sneaker deal, along with a huge contract thats what happened.

Answer 2

I think the money, the hype that accompany now the game has changed the rules. What good do you expect from a kid [17yrs for example] out of high school who suddenly makes millions? Nothing!
I remember reading an article about a young player out of high school who was complaining because he had nothing to wear, reason being all his clothes were dirty... in others words he doesn't know how to put some pairs of jeans into a washing machine with all the millions he made at the time. This is a true story. No wonder the NBA had to implement a special program with a THICK manual for those young recruits to learn life, not basketball but life!
All I'm trying to say is, if you remove the primary focus which is real life and then basketball and replace it by big contracts and instant fame, do not be surprised by the mess thereof.
That's why personally I'm against recruiting players out of high school, and even though they try to make some changes I personally believe that enforcing playing college ball for 4 years could be part of the solution. I've got nothing against young raw talent, but the like of Kevin Garnet are unfortunately few. When you see how those young kids play in college they give their hearts out to be the best. But if you haven't experienced that, if you skip it all, and the discipline that goes with it [College Coach have more respect because they are regarded as father-figure], how can you love and respect the game. I'm sure that if a survey was done, they would be a big attitude difference between College players [at least 3 years] and those who rushed into the NBA. I think that's a big part of the problem, I'm sure more could be said.

Answer 3

The players don't really have much control over contract deals and such, all they know how to do is play the game.

It is up to the sports agents and team managers to get the most money out of a deal.

Sports agents are more aggressive, business savvy now. So they go all out for the biggest deals, because they get a huge cut of the NBA player's salary.

It's business, corporate America now recognizes NBA as a marketing tool. Games are broadcast around the world now. Do you notice that big Chinese Billboard at Houston Rockets games ?

It was not as mainstream before, but now it is everywhere, from music, to movies, to politics.

Answer 4

Money changes people. Back then to get paid serious money you need accomplishment. Nowadays you need a greedy agent and the players greediness you can get the contract. like players like nene get 40 million doller contract and didnt do anything before and then after. Eric Dampier bought to the mavs and getting paid a tons. shaq greedy self getting and renewing his contract with over 15 million doller at the end of his career and hes already superrich when he asked to be the most paid player in the nba when he joined the lakers and getting paid more than the top player that year. NBA to players back then was for the love, now money taking place for the love. what difference will it make getting 15 million contract and then getting paid over 10 for endorsement and rap career. people complain less money the more problem, but in reality the more money the more problem. They think they on top of the world, buying drugs and committing all types of crime and think they can pay their troubles away

Answer 5

Players have always switched teams in basketball.

But, the rap careers and sneaker deals are new.

John Amaechi, former NBA player, just came out with his autobiography. He said that NBA players he knew hated playing basketball. He said they were bored and were only in it for the money. That they did not play for the love of the game but would only discuss in the locker room how they couldn't wait to go back to the hotel and smoke pot.

I think it's pretty obvious that NBA players don't care that much. You can see it on the court every night. That's why I stopped going to NBA games a few years ago. I had been wasting my time and money and felt stupid. No more!!





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Answer 6

Times have changed. We have had technological advancements, and the game involves a lot of money now. You don't only see negative changes in basketball, it also occurs in other sports. If you check the boxing forum, there will alwyays be a fan who compares the state of the game right now compared to the 80's. I know it's not the same, but it's a reality we have to face.

Answer 7

When more blacks started entering the league. Not to many white players focus on rap careers.

Answer 8

Free Agency. Same thing happened in the NFL.

Answer 9

heloooo??? i think u mean the basketball of the other era. so i think they should of done more to preserve the game. i think it good to be a good era if the jordans did not leave the game right now. i think that greg buckner will be a future superstar. who is with me? i am.

Answer 10

well money is everything these days. they want nice houses, wives, and stuff. it seems that 2 million means nothing compared to 5 million.