I really don't see how a freaking basketball franchise could make Chinese people angry at their government. Remember Dixie Chicks? The only thing they did was

I really don't see how a freaking basketball franchise could make Chinese people angry at their government. Remember Dixie Chicks? The only thing they did was to say "We're ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas," right before Bush invaded Iraq. There wasn't even any government action necessary - radio stations blacklisted them for years. They pretty much sunk into a black hole. Beijing just has to say that NBA insulted China. They wouldn't even need to ban anything (although I think they probably will) - the angry people will do the job. Don't underestimate the efficacy of a well-tuned propaganda.