Serious Question: Why Are American NBA Fans So Damn Arrogant?

[skangles]

I think this attitude is derived from familiarity. Everybody knows Iverson and most of the other players that Americans would know have since returned to the NBA (Kleiza, Childress, Delfino). The only other name that would be common to American fans that jumps out at me on first thought is Garbajosa. Saras didn't really do anything in the NBA so I don't know that he left a lasting impression on US fans. Other names that may be familiar to US fans are draft picks who have never played in the NBA (Rubio, Vazquez) and former NCAA standouts (Langdon, etc.). The only real exposure to other players that Americans have is in international tournaments; however, the TV coverage is limited to team USA games and the medal rounds which limits the ability to familiarize with European players.

Secondly, Allen Iverson is the highest profile player in Europe. He is a big time name because of the player that he USED TO BE. Apparantly people are forgeting the last two seasons. Iverson is one of the most gifted offensive players of all time because of the speed and quickness that he once had. That's not ignoring his lousy attitude and massive ego nor the fact that he has always been a major liability on defense.

I think some people are living in the past. Had Iverson made this move 5 years ago it would have been massive and had he made the move 10 years ago when he was really at his prime it would have been completely insane. The guy is a legend and this is the final chapter of his career. He is a big time signing who was once an elite player.