I'm not a fan of the NBA, and after watching the last few seasons, with the spoiled athletes and overpaid coaches whining and fretting over small issues that amount to some type of "respect" owed to this lot, I've come to just ignore the sport in general. College hoops, of course, are much more pure and competitive. But the NBA hasn't put together an exciting season in a long time, much less stellar play and good competition.

So last year the NBA All-Star extravaganza was a muddled mess, with very many crimes committed by the players or their entourage groupies. There were stories of large crowds of overpaid athletes and their ilk beating up pizza delivery people, threatening tourists on the streets, walking out on their checks from expensive restaurants. It left a huge black eye for the NBA.

Then the announcement was made the showcase would come to New Orleans, and immediately players and even the president of the Player's Association wondered aloud if New Orleans could handle the influx of players, their entourage, and the fans. Mind you NO mention was made as to the NBA policing it's own personnel. This is where the NBA could take some lessons from the NFL of late.

But after this weekend, it seems New Orleans handled the event with grace and charm. We can add it to the list of successful worldwide events New Orleans has hosted just since Katrina. Let's look at the list:

BCS Championship Game
Sugar Bowl
2 NFL Regular seasons, 1 playoff game
1 1/2 NBA seasons
1 Arena Football Season
Essence Festival
Bayou Classic
2 Mardi Gras
2 Jazz Fests
1 Regional NCAA Tourney locale
1 PGA Tour Event
Several local events too numerous to mention here
Several conventions too numerous to mention here

And many, many more events, festivals, races, and so much more.

But the presidential contenders deemed New Orleans unfit to use as a venue for their debates. The truth is that New Orleans is rebounding, much to the chagrin of most national politicians. Slowly we are finding the way back, and mostly through the venues we offered in the past. There are some parts of New Orleans culture that are so deeply rooted in our collective community that they will not only provide strength when we are down, but pride and recognition when we are up. 

So kudos to the NBA this weekend, for adding to the positive side of national exposure and events for our city. 

Let's hope this is a continuing trend. 

ok- rizzo