The NBA has declined in popularity in recent years for many reasons so I’m not sure how many people realize the season actually begins today. Ron Artest, Tim Donaghy, David Stern, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Steven Jackson and the thug persona is definitely a tarnish, but all in all I am still a NBA fan. The season is too long and more effort could be exerted on a nightly basis, but the NBA still has one of the greatest collection of professional athletes in the entire world. Tonight’s games are listed below.

Portland @ San Antonio
Houston @ LA Lakers
Utah @ Golden State

Since training camp opened this year for the NBA players have been complaining about the new microfiber composite basketball that David Stern demanded be the new basketball for the league. Well, after so many complaints and even proof the ball was causing injuries on stars such as Steve Nash and Jason Kidd the NBA has changed their mind. On January 1, 2007 the NBA will return to the old leather model. This situation stunk from jump and I’m really surprised Stern waited this long, but I’m sure he needed to look and act like he was in charge as long as possible. Will this help the NBA game overall though? I think this is the point they should be more focused on, but what the heck do I know!

In a great move by the NBA the city of New Orleans was awarded the 2008 NBA All Star game. It is my personal opinion that more of these moves should be made to bring serious dollars back to a city devastated by Mother Nature. This also indicates that the New Orleans..excuse me Oklahoma City…I mean New Orleans Hornets more than likely will not be leaving the Big Easy. It would be almost unheard of for the NBA to hold an All Star game in a city that isn’t home to a team. Right? Well, they are holding the next one in Las Vegas, but that is just because of the glitz and glamour, right again? I think there is still a lot to be determined here, but nice job David Stern for giving a city in need the All Star Game!