Two-time NBA All-Star Regitheus recalls the 1981 playoffs when his Chicago Bulls faced the New York Knicks in a high-profile first-round series. The opening game took place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, featuring stars like Artis Gilmore, Bill Cartwright, and Michael Ray Richardson. The Bulls won that game, went on to win the series, and then faced Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics in the next round. Theus scored 37 points in an overtime clincher against New York at home but never experienced that level of playoff excitement again.
Throughout his lengthy career, Theus made three more playoff appearances but never found himself in such a spotlighted postseason event like Chicago versus New York. He spent 13 years playing for teams in smaller markets like Kansas City, the Sacramento Kings (relocated to Northern California in 1985), and the Orlando Magic. He likened his career to a kettle moving from the front burner to the back — less glamorous markets like Los Angeles, Boston, New York, and Chicago draw the most attention, but that doesn’t always equate to the most successful seasons.
In recent playoffs, many teams from smaller markets, including conference top seeds Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers, have been prominent. While big market teams like New York, Miami, and Golden State attract free agents due to nightlife and entertainment appeal, small-market players often wonder about the reality of their lives in modest, quieter cities.
For Theus, who played extensively in places like Sacramento beyond Chicago, the distinction was clear. “You just feel like a small market has,” he said. “Everyone knows each other personally.” Some teams feel more like families, such as San Antonio, a franchise he never played for but admires for its consistent winning culture born from stability.
Contrary to assumptions, life in smaller NBA towns isn’t dull, Theus explains. “You do what the city offers,” he said. In Sacramento and Orlando, he enjoyed abundant outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, fostering strong bonds with teammates. The intimacy of small towns adds a unique charm to the experience.
In Theus’s era, playing in smaller markets meant limited national media exposure. Today, stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City and Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee receive widespread recognition via social media and streaming platforms. But in the past, attracting public attention was tougher.
“Small markets can feel like you’re on an island,” Theus remarked, but also acknowledged their advantage: greater closeness with people. He still keeps in touch with teammates from Sacramento and Orlando but noted it’s not the same as the Chicago community. Smaller cities offer less media spotlight but sometimes allow players to enjoy a more normal life.
“In Chicago or New York, there’s nothing like it,” Theus said. “These are the three biggest media markets. When it comes to nightlife, dining, and entertainment, these cities are unique.”
Age also influences how players view small markets. Theus was in his 20s when playing in Chicago and in his 30s in quieter Sacramento and Orlando. Modern NBA stars earn millions, traveling in luxury and enjoying global holidays. Even young players can find nightlife in smaller cities, but the fame and fanbase in big markets remain distinctive.
Four-time All-Star Michael Ray Richardson echoed the sentiment, recalling how New York offered movie stars and excitement, unlike nearby New Jersey. Currently living near Oklahoma City, Richardson noted how a winning team like the Thunder unites the state in a college-like sports atmosphere, filling the void of other professional teams.
Robert Parish, with multiple NBA titles for the Celtics and Bulls, also played in small-market Charlotte during its early days. He sees history and tradition as crucial, sometimes outweighing market size — like the Packers in Green Bay or the Spurs in San Antonio. “Big cities have rich histories and loyal fans,” Parish said, but winning builds fan love in any market.
The Celtics’ deep sports heritage, acknowledged by Parish and Theus, contrasts with Sacramento’s newer fanbase, which had to learn how passionate fans should behave toward opponents early on. Theus recalls a “real learning curve” for Sacramento fans.
Fan Take: This reflection on small versus big market NBA experiences sheds light on the diverse realities players face beyond fame and fortune. For basketball fans, it highlights how passion, community, and tradition fuel great teams no matter their city size, proving that the spirit of the game transcends location.
