A Cuban Lit Up

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is taking way too much heat for stating that "from a business perspective, [the Kobe drama] great for the NBA. In the past few days Cuban has been attacked for being an idoit who's bent on self-promotion. But few people are willing to acknowledge the fact that Cuban is absolutely right. For at least the upcoming season, which Kobe will definitely play, the hoopla is certain to spark increased interest in the Lakers. Wherever they go, casual sports fans who don't normally follow the NBA will have an increased interest. There's no denying it.

Besides, how could the scandal really have a negative effect on the league? The NBA's popularity has already bottomed out. Only hardcore basketball fans watched the poorly-rated NBA finals, and they'll still watch in the future even if Kobe gets convicted. NBA fans have stuck it out over the years despite the unsavory antics of Allen Iverson, Ron Artest and the Portland Trailblazers, so why would Kobe turn them off? Let's face it: the league doesn't have many fans to lose. The negative publicity will only serve to attract new eyeballs.