NBA Finals: Can small market teams draw eyes?

Barring a miraculous comeback by the Knickerbockers (of which I am a fan), the NBA Finals will feature two young, fantastic teams in Oklahoma City and Indiana.

What this matchup won’t have is market size.

The question is, in today’s day and age of streaming, social media and super computers in our pockets, does market size matter?

Yes and no. Real definitive answer, I know, but hear me out.

Let’s start with the yes. There is a reason market size is even mentioned: it matters. The more people that live in a city or area surrounding a professional team, the more likely it is that those people will watch a game(s) when the stakes are high, like in the Finals.

That’s why sports is awesome, it creates that sense of togetherness and can truly unite an area. Just look at how Knicks fans responded when they beat Boston and made the Eastern Conference Finals. It showed why fans are called that (fanatics in case I lost you there).

Now, on the flip side, I think the market size doesn’t matter, overall (unless you are ABC and want to sell ad space with a market like New York in the Finals).

What is most important is a quality series. OKC and the Pacers are two franchises that could be new model: Build through draft picks and youth.

I know I prefer that method to the “Super Team” era. Aside from SGA’s flopping and flailing to draw fouls, both teams are entertaining to watch.

Regardless of your rooting interests, Thunder vs. Pacers would/should be appointment viewing if you have even a little bit of hoops interest.

I’m looking at you big-market eyes.