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Originally Posted by crazyjoeda
I would have to argue that Vancouver is not significantly larger than it was 10 years ago when the Grizzlies left, certainly no explosive population growth and the demographics are about the same. I'll give you the ownership group and media are better today, but I still don't think this is best city for an NBA team.
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I think the city can support an NBA team, no doubt. And yeah, any team coming in would have to begin to win almost immediately. but let's be honest. the standard isn't high. I mean, when the Grizz were here, they had a ton of losing streaks. all we're asking for this time around is to have a competitive team, capable of winning more than 23 games a year. Having the Hornets, and having Chris Paul, who is a known superstar in the league, would be a good start. he seems to have a good head on his shoulders as well.
Ownership, is everything. And it seems like the Aquilini's are solid owners, with a solid business plan (for the Canucks, that much is obvious). Aquilini seems to be hot on wanting an NBA team and moving them to Vancouver. That's great news. Hopefully, there will be progress made and more discussions with Stern on this front. I really cannot see Pittsburgh, or places like Kansas City, or Anaheim, let alone Vegas having NBA teams. There's not even any rumors about owners in those cities willing to make a bid for the Hornets. The NBA was there before, so it's not like Vancouver is an unknown. They need some things to overcome, such as players not wanting to come - but let's be honest. there are other routes in which to achieve success. Not all American ball players hate Vancouver, and certainly, there will be a few who will come and play. Draft those players, pick them, trade for them. Surround them with solid Canadian, Asian, European players. Having a top chinese player wouldn't be bad, considering much of Vancouver's population is chinese, and chinese people LOVE basketball!
Too many people in this city, seem to believe we're not good for anything. Not good fit for the NBA, not a good fit for the MLB, not a good fit for blah blah blah. Some of these leagues are for the best players on the planet, and to be a part of their association (such as the NBA), is a privilege. Yeah, there's a lot of "gangsta's" - but let's not generalize all of the players that way. There are some good, quality, stand up players in the league, and some of them (surprise!) actually love our city.
We had a tough first go, but that doesn't mean that the second time around won't be a success. For one, we're not getting an expansion team. We're getting a RELOCATED team. a team with a foundation already, and a structure. Think of the Atlanta Flames, when they moved to Calgary, and how that organization has flourished in Cowtown. Second, the economy is far better than it was back in 1995 when the Grizz entered the league. The difference between then and now? a 65 cent dollar. What terrible times. The Canucks were also on the verge of moving to another city! And what would happen if they did? Would this city continue to reject the NHL?
The NBA could, and will work, given good management, and a willing owner willing to spend. As for the Canucks? They are forever going to be KING in this town, no matter how well the Whitecaps FC and (or IF) the NBA is doing here.