It's not about NBA but didn't Diego Maradona said something similar? - Ban bookmakers and you'll see a real football.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I remember a similar statement from someone but I don't know who and how they said it in English, it's my interpretation.
Basketball is the most famous sport after soccer, NBA is one of the richest league in the world, richer than soccer leagues. I'd say that the NBA is not rigged but sometimes referees are rigged. NBA is too big to rig, no profit worth the potential loss that it will generate if they rig the game or anyone inside the NBA leaks the information. I often bet on soccer matches and I know that there are cases when referee will be on one team's side, so I either bet on that team or I avoid the match.
Yes Diego Maradona has been known to have been against the involvement of money-influence in sports. Yes, he was known for his outspoken views, that the bookmakers should not have an influence on game. However a direct quote from him saying,
"Ban bookmakers and you'll see real football"
doesn't valid i think. I can catch his view, he always want to see the sport free from external manipulations, just it.
Now come to NBA, even though there have been claims and suspicions about the influence of various factors, including series expansion, there is still little clear evidence. Although NBA has handle actively all of the officiating concerns but fans and media always bring those controversial issues to increase viewership. So we should avoid those rumor, and enjoy the game.