Throughout the years we have seen the NBA's game play transition through various forms of game play. In its origin it was created to promote team work and ultimately keep football players in shape in the off season. As the sport caught on and gained recognition we were able to see the progression of stars being recognized on teams. There was still a team first attitude, but team names were being associated with individual players instead of just their name alone. Eventually it was able to progress into the league it is today where advertisements feature a player or two on each team evoking an interest to watch players instead of teams. What I am curious to see is if this new wave of trading for talent rather than growing it from within the organization is going to catch on.
Within the past decade we have seen a number of top tier players traveling to other teams to play along side other greats of their generation. Recently, the now aging Boston Celtics, acquired two of the big three from other teams. The Lakers, without a nickname for their championship squad, brought in Lamar Odom, Ron Attest, and Pau Gasol at separate times to "build" their high caliber team. Now, of course, there is the Miami Heat compiled with Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and self proclaimed King, LeBron James. While there is a number of quality teams that are still making a name for themselves in the league I am posed with the question of whether compiling talent to one team is good for the league rather than spreading out the superstars.
In my mind this could go a couple ways. If the Heat are able to acquire a couple championships within the couple years of LeBron's contract are we going to see more teams try and stockpile players who are willing to play for less money. While this will allow for certain cities with the budget to flourish we're also at risk of creating a very difficult future for the smaller market teams which could lead to more teams having to move cities and a big problem for the future.
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