NBA: UFC on Plywood

When I was growing up, the actions on and off the court for Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and the list goes on, was used as the example of how to be great, great in profession, and great in life.  This professionalism has evolved, and unfortunately, has been degraded over the years.  Now, professional athletes in the NBA are looked upon as plywood thugs, talking trash to each other, and getting away from the game to settle personal dislikes.
 
It is painfully obvious that the rivalries in the NBA are based on individual likes and dislikes, which is basically the same as who is the biggest bully on the street.

The NBA, compared with the NFL, MLB, and the NHL, is in my opinion the third rate professional sports program.  Due to this problem with populace favorite, the NBA is turning into the UFC of Professional sports.

Garnett and Anthony have made this what it is with their performance in the latest matchup.

In the early 90's, the East Coast vs. West Coast rivalry was based in large part to the influence and growth of the music industry, which propagated the rivalry on their own footing, and then fertilized it with professional sports.

To play in the NBA you had better brush up on your jiujitsu and boxing regimen.

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