Before the season even starts, Iverson records a rap album that manages to offend women, gays and non-criminals of all ages, religions and sexual persuasions. He apologizes and offers to soften some of the more offensive lyrics, but later decides not too, citing the First Amendment and freedom of artistic expression. The Eastern Conference is so devoid of legitimate centers that the Heat's Alonzo Mourning takes the early lead in All-Star team voting, despite the fact he has a kidney disease that will keep him out for the entire season. Shawn Kemp and Derrick Coleman are not only still active, but are considered potential keys to the championship aspirations of the Portland Trail Blazers and the Charlotte Hornets, respectively. They are both also still fat.
Ratings are down, and sinking fast.
More significantly, the ratings for the Finals in the first two years of the new package were the worst since 1981. Ticket sales are down slightly, but real attendance is way down, as evidenced by the large number of empty seats at most televised games. And the fans who do go are of inferior quality. Concerned as much with business development as watching the game, corporate fans continue to finance the NBA while simultaneously sucking the life out of many arenas. Also, when corporate customers can't make the games, they might be less able to see that the tickets get used.