If the early season numbers are an indication of how NBA attendance will end up, than Commissioner David Stern should be pleased. Overall attendance is down two percent, but considering the current economic state, two percent isn’t bad. Also, the percentage statistic is skewed by two teams, the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies, who are drawing less than 70 percent (the league average is currently 88.9 percent of capacity).

Though some teams have only played four home games thus far in the 2009-’10 season, there has to be some panic within a few organizations, especially the 76ers. They averaged 15,802 in 2008-’09, in five home games this season they’ve averaged 11,377, and are down more than 20 percent of capacity from last year. The Memphis Grizzlies probably thought they couldn’t go much lower, ranking 29^th in the NBA in attendance last season filling only 70 percent of their arena, but this season they are down to 66 percent, only outdrawing the 76ers. The Detroit Pistons may also have cause for concern, dropping from first in average attendance to 16^th, falling 19.6 percent. The New Orleans Hornets slow start and firing of head coach Byron Scott may have affected their 10 percent drop.

Several teams have seen an early boost in attendance. The Chicago Bulls, who lead the league in average attendance per game, are up over 100 percent of capacity after filling 97.7 percent of the United Center last season. The Cleveland Cavilers are in a similar boat, selling out each home game so far after drawing 97.3 percent last season. The Atlanta Hawks have seen significant gains, rising from 89.4 to 95.4 percent. The Minnesota Timberwolves fans seem to be showing support, filling their stadium by eight percent more than last season.

Here are the average attendances and percentage of capacity differences for each team:

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Matthew Coller is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network, and is a freelance writer. He can be followed on Twitter

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