The average middle aged white man ain't buying a guy that tatted up. See: Iverson, Allen.

 

True......I don't like DRose as the face though.

Kind of.....there is always a black guy like Kevin Durant that is universally accepted. As long as the face isn't 'street'(a la Allen Iverson) I don't think people would be too upset but you bring up a good and fair point.

Good points on Durant. I like you tend to gravitate towards players with an edge though.

Completely agree. The only negative on Durant is that he's kind of shy. It'd be good to have a guy that could "turn on" when the cameras and microphones are in front of him.

 

True. He's getting better now though. He had some good interviews this summer about the lockout. I was impressed with his camera demeanor and his answers as well. He's the perfect diplomat.

Dirk wouldn't work. Has to be an American. Kind of like the President.

Imagine if Dirk was American. He'd be the "Great White Hope" and plastered on every billboard, commercial, etc.

Completely agree. The only negative on Durant is that he's kind of shy. It'd be good to have a guy that could "turn on" when the cameras and microphones are in front of him.

I'm admittingly bias but I think Wall has many of the same qualities as Durant but seems to have more personality and definitely more "coolness". He isn't there yet but I'm a few short years he could be the face.

I agree somewhat...the problem is LeBron does embrace that villain role and the face of the NBA has never been a villain. Jerry West, Dr. J, Magic, Bird, MJ, Shaq.....none of them have ever been villains. Once Shaq began running his mouth too much they shifted to Tim Duncan..... the NBA will ride the LeBron train and they do...just not as the face of the NBA. People either love or hate LeBron. The face of the NBA cannot be hated and Kevin Durant hasn't given anyone a logical reason to hate him. I am admitting my hatred for Durant is illogical. And I don't care..

 

I have to disagree. I think what makes LeBron such a good villain is the fact that he doesn't embrace the role. The LeBron saga can be one of the greatest story lines in pro sports history. He is a guy that is almost universally hated, with the exception of his very loyal fans. LeBron makes casual fans watch the NBA. Durant just ain't gonna do that. How many people in America don't know who LeBron is? How many know who Durant is? Ask a non-sports fan what team KD plays for. Or DRose. Or Griffin. You'll get alot of who is that, I'd almost guarantee you.

 

The NBA is the most individually marketable sport. It would be economically foolish and irresponsible to go with anyone other than LeBron at this time. KD is a very good talent, but we know nothing else about him. And the worst part is people don't really care IMO. He's a nice guy, there is no story there. Why did ARod sell? Pujols this season? Jordan? A great pitchman for a league has some edge to them IMO. There is a reason celebs do crazy things from time to time, it keeps the story going. LeBron did it by accident and it is to the NBA's gain. The worst thing for the NBA is for him to continue losing, that will get stale. If he wins they get a slew of new story lines.

I go with Durant.

Slightly off subject but isn't KD heavily tatted but all under his jersey?

True. He's getting better now though. He had some good interviews this summer about the lockout. I was impressed with his camera demeanor and his answers as well. He's the perfect diplomat.

 

Is the perfect diplomat the guy you want pitching your league if you want to make money? Sex and controversy sell. This is the perfect time for tthe NBA to grab cities byt the horns. Everyone can unite around beating the Heat. With guys like Durant, Rose, etc. holding down their individual markets the league stands to build dozens of really strong and passionate fanbases. LBJ is the story now, and he'll be the story after he leaves behind the scenes. As long as he's the bad guy, everyone else looks good. People rally around good trying to beat evil.

 

By being a villain, James can do for the NBA what Jordan never did. Most people really couldn't hate Jordan. Most outside of NBA cities were probably Bulls fans. Because most hate LeBron, fans will find other teams to root for. If these teams have stars, there is the potential for these fans to become long-term supporters of other teams in the league. Its all about the bigger picture and the bankrolls.

Slightly off subject but isn't KD heavily tatted but all under his jersey?

 

I believe so yes.

Kevin Durant was easily the first name I thought of. He won me over the year (I believe last year) when he went to the NBA draft to represent the Thunder. You just don't see players, let alone star players do that kind of thing. Playing flag football with college students. He just seems like a great guy. Easy answer for me.

 

I would also go with Dwight Howard, which I feel like they have been trying to get him in that role some.

That one guy, think his name is Chris Kardashian

Last thought. If Durant had a religious angle I could see it. It makes him more interesting. Few are neutral on Tebow. Just have to have something to build the fanbase. The NFL did it by parity and broadcasting every game. I just don't see how you build around Durant. What makes an average person take a side on him? If you're not a basketball fan do you go out of your way to make sure your kids watch him play or get a jersey? Here is a nice guy, good basketball player, please feel sorry for our league?

I don't see Lebron as the face at all, at least in a positive light. I have read the arguments and I don't see it at all as far as the question posed in the OP.

I don't see Lebron as the face at all, at least in a positive light. I have read the arguments and I don't see it at all as far as the question posed in the OP.

 

We'll if you guys all ever go into business let me know I'll go into the same one and bankrupt you all . I'd be the founder of Hooters, you guys are going the safe route in trying to establish another fast food joint.