Like the Sixers. They just set a record for season ticket sales.
Teams are competitive for making the playoffs. Really more so than MLB. As you say they just have no shot at a championship or even the finals.
The sizers can sell hope- I think a Philadelphia fan can convince themselves that as Simmons and embeid mature, they have a legitimate shot in a couple of years. MLB, if you make the playoffs, I think you have a legitimate shot at a title