There might be more wacky conspiracy theories bouncing around the NBA than basketballs. In a league where team efforts take a backseat to individual player storylines, many controversies have existed over the years that suggest the league is rigged.

One of the earliest conspiracy theories actually arose from a pseudo-conspiracy thought up by sportswriters that doomed teams were losing on purpose at the end of the year to secure a first pick on rookies.

To curb this, the league set up a draft lottery in 1985. But that very first lottery was said to have been tarnished byitsown (unfounded)conspiracy theory after the New York Knicks, a large market franchise, won the hottest commodity that year: future hall-of-famer Patrick Ewing.

The latest theory arose from Game 2 of the current NBA Finals…

…which is a matchup of the league’s two hottest teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat. OKC’s star player, Kevin Durant, had a chance to tie the game with a last second play but was (arguably) blatantly fouled by the mega-star Lebron James, who is on the opposing team. James was notcalledforthefoul, however; it seems likely that the ref just missed it, but that didn't quell fan anger and wingnuts who see sinister stuff in everything. In any case, the Heat went on to win, tying the series at a game apiece.

The NBA, by the way, denies all these conspiracy theories, which, we might add, exist in most sporting events. Look at the championship boxing match from last week that ended in a controversial judge's decision — that could be a conspiracy to rob Pacquiao of his belt… or you could argue Bradley fought a great fight on bad legs.

Besides, it remains to be seen whether Lebron and company can win a championship.

Image: Keith Allison / Flickr