Hey, I'm Just a Fan, What Do I Know About the NBA?

With the sights and sounds of spring in the air, I feel inspired to jot down a list of the things I believe about the National Basketball Association (NBA).

I believe first and foremost that the NBA as it is currently constituted, is absolutely blessed with talent. In fact, I believe the league has the greatest collection of individual talent in its history.

I believe the NBA Playoffs this year will be the most competitive tournament ever. When you consider that the Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons are the eighth seeds in the Western and Eastern conferences, respectively, you get a sense of how tough the first-round games will be.

I believe players like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade not only make their teammates better—but also raise the level of play of their competitors. These three players set the bar for excellence, but their spot at the top will get crowded soon with the emergence of players like Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Deron Williams, Brandon Roy, Kevin Durant and a host of others.

I believe national sports radio shows do not give the NBA the air time it deserves. We have already had more discussion time on these shows about the newly released NFL schedules than we have had all season on the NBA.

I know these shows have a love hangover from the Jordan era, but it is time to move on. This is a good league with marvelously gifted players who are amongst the most recognized professional athletes in the world. There is a large radio audience for the NBA just dying to be harvested for some lucky network.

I believe the NBA is one of the most recognized brands in the world and its current mix of International players has increased and enhanced the league's visibility around the world.

I believe NBA Cares is one of the best examples of corporate social responsibility to be found anywhere. This initiative is also a good community and public relations tool of the NBA. Unfortunately, you never hear mention of it in the press.

I believe that the tattoo culture in the NBA adds to the league's personality. I don't find it offensive or vulgar and do not believe the players are thugs.

I believe the Los Angeles Clippers and Washington Wizards underachieved this year.

I believe LeBron James will win the NBA MVP award this year.

I believe the Los Angeles Lakers will beat the Boston Celtics for the NBA title.

I believe David Stern is the best commissioner in sports.

And there you have it, the things I believe about the NBA.