I really stopped watching a couple of years ago. During an important game a rookie was called for a imaginery foul on a star. The foul, if I remember right, was pivotal in the outcome. After the game they asked the rookie how he felt about the call. He responed by saying, "Of course he got that call. He should have. He's a star. When I have been here as long as he has, they will give me the call too. Its all about respect."
Really, I thought it was about the game. At that moment, I think I truely realized it wasn't about the game any more, it was about flash and image, and little more. I love basketball, but not whatever it is they think they are playing.