Basketball isn't lost yet. (See: PHX SUNS!!) Besides being a Suns fan, I think culturally their success is absolutely critical to the sport. If they can win the NBA championship, it will send a message that "thug ball" is not necessary to success.
I attended a Suns vs. Bobcats game about a month ago. It was like watching a professional team run over a good high school team. I'm hoping my local team can pull it together in a few years.