Replacing Legends: The NBA’s Struggle To Find the Next Bird-Magic Rivalry

True rivalries are by far the greatest aspect of sports for fans.  Not last-second buzzer beaters, not Cinderella stories, or even championships.

Rivalries. 

Rivalries are everlasting.  Rivalries create excitement for even the most mundane contest.  Rivalries turn rational businessmen into petulant children when their side loses. 

Rivalries create tall-tales you tell to bore your children and grandchildren with: You wax poetic about the pageantry, the greatest game, the greatest players, and the greatest "holy s---" moments.

Finally, you highlight one of the two pillars of great rivalries: pure hatred toward the opposition.

Every fan of the opposition is a spawn of Satan. Every one of their star players is on steroids, amphetam...

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