Expand the NBA, Part II: Where To Go

Ethan McVansen by Contributor Written on October 18, 2009

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NEW YORK - JULY 24:  NBA Commissioner David Stern speaks to the media during a press conference to discuss the ongoing investigation of NBA referee Tim Donaghy July 24, 2007 at the Westin Hotel in New York City. Tim Donaghy allegedly bet on NBA matches th

"Write an explanatory introduction to your slideshow. The introduction must be at least 300 characters, though most introductions are longer."

This is what Bleacher Report tells you to do for an introduction. This has gotten to me every time, I don't have 300 characters worth of stuff to say about this topic.

Here's what I have:

The NBA should extend the league by two more teams, giving them 32 teams. Here are some places that would work for this expansion.

Las Vegas

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Las Vegas has always been a concern because of gambling. Boo hoo.

The 2007 All-Star game was a test to see if Las Vegas could support a franchise. Well, they filled the seats, they have a decent stadium, so I don't see why it wouldn't work.

And Las Vegas is just setting themselves up for awesome team names.

Just don't let them be the Hookers.

Mexico

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 16: Fireworks light up the playing prior to the Mexican First Division 'Clásico Nacional' match between Chivas de Guadalajara and Club América at Arrowhead Stadium on September 16, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri.  Chivas defeate

The NBA (and many other sports) have reached out to Canada for sports teams in their leagues.

So why not go south of the border?

We've been allies with Mexico since February 2, 1848 when we ended the Mexican-American war. So there shouldn't be much hostility there.

This would actually help our relationship with our neighbors.

And with the entire country kind of supporting one team (although it'll probably go to one city, not the whole country), it will be well funded and have plenty of fans.

On top of it all, the NBA just launched it's "enebea" campaign online, reaching out to Mexican NBA fans.

Buffalo

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The Bills have a franchise that is a long-running cultural tradition in Buffalo, New York. Sure the franchise has seen its share of troubles but it is still extremely popular among its supportive fans.

It is a sports town, and for nine years, Buffalo supported a basketball franchise: The Braves.

It could happen again.

(Quick history lesson. The Braves were relocated to San Diego as the Clippers and are now the Los Angeles Clippers.)

St. Louis

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St. Louis had the Hawks from 1955-1968.

St. Louis had the Bombers from 1946-1950.

They currently have the Cardinals, Rams, and Blues.

This is a city that can clearly host franchises, but just doesn't have the basketball team set up yet.

Brooklyn

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 26:  NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers player LeBron James arrives at the screening of Lionsgate's 'More Than a Game' at the Grove Theaters on September 26, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Yes, there's a reason why LBJ's photo is here.

The Nets may be moving here, but it's still worth mentioning. Brooklyn just seems like a fun place for a pro sports team to be located, and now there's a chance it will get one.

So look out New Jersey, you're team may be taken. And if they're willing to spend enough money, LeBron James may be going with them.

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written on October 18, 2009 Opinion

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