mean to censor those critical of this crucial NBA market, but I like that he walked it back. Apparently, it did not fall on deaf ears in China.

I have no patience for Harden's proactive apology and defense of China. If he kept his mouth shut, maybe I could buy the excuse that they are just more concerned about their own backyard. Harden made clear that he is concerned about his bank account first, and second, fifth, and tenth.

At least LeBron has kept his mouth shut as far as I know - I will give him that.

This would be a balsy move and maybe I wouldn't have the guts if I were an NBA exec staring at all that lost revenue, but I'd actually like to see the NBA call China's bluff. There are a lot of people addicted to NBA basketball over there, I think. I think if social justice is their calling, you'd be hard pressed to find a more worthy cause than the Uighurs', whose circumstances are not at all unlike minorities, and especially blacks, in America, except it is so much worse, as they are literally being herded into concentration camps.

So, let China do what it wants with streaming broadcasts, or if they really wanted to be balsy, suspend service to China. I think that would leave a void that might actually help generate some pressure. China's authority comes in no small part from keeping their people entertained, and I don't think they can replace the NBA's impact on Chinese fans.

I've read some anecdotes about China's belt and roads initiative, where they throw around their financial muscle, but when they've gottn some pushback, they've given in at some points. They do blink when their tactics don't work at times.

It would be risky, but it's a risk the NBA could weather.
[Post edited by hoolstoptheheels at 10/09/2019 12:47PM]