As the Indiana Pacers toasted their victory over the New York Knicks, NBA fans flooded social media with reactions to a surprising potential Finals matchup: the Pacers against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Many speculated how David Stern, the former NBA commissioner known for favoring big markets, would feel about this face-off between two of the league's smallest cities.

Yet, contrary to the critics, one well-connected team executive asserts, "David would have loved this." After all, Stern laid the groundwork for the current NBA landscape where even small-market teams thrive.

A Legacy of Parity Awaits

With the NBA poised to crown a new champion for the seventh straight season, it's crucial to acknowledge that this era began with Stern's hard decisions during the 2011 lockout. His goal was to create a competitive league where every team, if managed well, had a fair chance at success.

Now, the Pacers, positioned in the league's ninth-smallest media market, and the Thunder, hailing from an even smaller city, are set to battle for the Larry O'Brien Trophy, fulfilling Stern's vision of equality in competitive opportunities.

Rebuilding Against the Odds

The story of the Thunder's resurgence is remarkable. After a disappointing exit in the 2018-2019 season, when stars Paul George and Russell Westbrook requested trades, GM Sam Presti ingeniously pivoted from retooling the lineup to orchestrating a massive rebuild.

Presti's shrewd moves garnered a historic haul of draft picks, and although the road was rocky, the Thunder began assembling a new core of talent, including young stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose development proved crucial for their comeback.

Pacers: A New Era

On the other end, the Indiana Pacers transformed their fortunes under coach Rick Carlisle, who emphasized the importance of Tyrese Haliburton. Since acquiring Haliburton from the Kings, the Pacers transitioned into one of the league's fastest-paced teams, ranking fourth in movement.

With Haliburton steering the offense, Indiana not only revamped its style but also thrived, completing a crucial trade for Pascal Siakam that pushed them to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Eyes on the Ratings: Will Anyone Watch?

However, as the Finals approach, a question looms: will viewership suffer? With both teams lacking the typical star power that garners attention, doubts arise over potential ratings. For the first time, the Finals feature two teams from outside the top 20 media markets.

Despite this, the NBA remains unshaken, having secured lucrative broadcasting deals that ensure stability. Stern's legacy of parity, now embraced by current commissioner Adam Silver, aims to cultivate long-term growth in fan engagement and ratings.

The Bright Future Ahead

Ultimately, while critics demand the return of dynasties for higher ratings, the current NBA view is clear: a balanced league may pave the way for deeper engagement in the future. The Pacers and Thunder, under their respective quests for a championship, exemplify the meritocratic spirit that Stern envisioned.