Can Pittsburgh support an NBA franchise?

[roscoe97]

I think it could if Cleveland and the Ohio Cavs supporters weren't so near.

[Evergrey]

The NBA came to Pittsburgh last night. The Cleveland Cavalier's and Mark Cuban's Dallas Mavericks played to an exhibition game in half-full Mellon Arena. Here's some media reaction:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=ApN...?gid=2006102505

"The Cavaliers are trying to build a fan base in Pittsburgh, a two-hour drive from Cleveland. Cavs games are regularly televised locally, and the club has begun marketing in a region where the University of Pittsburgh has sold out its home games for four seasons."

Personally, I'll never root for a Cleveland team! Not even their NBA squad! Boo! haha

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_476684.html

"There remains considerable doubt as to whether Pittsburgh is willing to warmly welcome the NBA beyond a once-per-year practice game.

"I love coming to Pittsburgh," said Cleveland Cavalier Donyell Marshall, a Steelers fan. "But this is a college basketball town." "

...

"A preference for team play over individual performance also might make the NBA a hard sell on fans in this region.

Witness the popularity of the men's basketball program at Pitt, where teams are praised for their fortified toughness."

I totally agree with that. Pittsburghers have never cared for flashy hot-dog antics in sports.... which is why I don't think this market would ever be receptive to the NBA in its current state.

[mercurypa]

No, Pittsburgh isn't about flash or idolizing individual players (Big Ben). The reaction this is as expected for this area. A half-full arena for another cities' team still shows there is interest in basketball. I am more interested in diversifying our area and expanding choices for future residents, and not just those who have been here forever. I don't even care about these sports myself, but I am in favor of brining choice and change to the area.