NBA ratings are down. That much we know. But why? Could it be because fans are tired of watching teams dribble down the court and chuck up a 3-pointer … and that be the only offense?
Perhaps. I discussed that and a whole lot more (including the Cavaliers) on the latest Hoops Wire Live from 330 to Go. Check it out here or in the video directly below.
So, what are my thoughts? Well, let’s just say when I watch an NBA game, I don’t sit there and think, “Teams are shooting too many threes!” Far from it.
But I’m a die-hard. I’m already sold on the NBA. Most people aren’t. They’re casual fans. And it’s the job of the NBA and commissioner Adam Silver to draw them in. Does style of play have something to do with the fact many fans are tuning out the NBA?
Again, maybe. But again, the hot topic involving the NBA over the past few weeks has been the massive volume of long-range bombs being attempted. Some teams average more than 40 threes a game. That’s too many. It’s bad for basketball.
That’s not just my opinion. It’s shared strongly by Charles Barkley, B.J. Armstrong and other legends of the game, as I discuss in the video. Oh, and even LeBron James came out and said too many threes are going up. He called it a problem.
When LeBron speaks, the rest of the NBA-loving universe should listen. Here you have the face of pro basketball saying that something is amiss.
Silver even addressed the issue, accusing teams of all running the same “cookie-cutter” offense. He’s right — but can anything be done about it?
Let’s discuss. I think the answer is yes, something needs to change. And that’s not just my answer, either. It’s the answer of the masses, who are no longer watching. Check out the latest Hoops Wire Live for more.
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They’re trying to explain away poor ratings?
I agree, its not the threes.
In my opinion its the ESPN culture. Awave of false prophet claiming for half the league while demonizing the other half. Choosing the hero and villains, instead of letting the game do the talking.
The hyper focus on what Westbrook doesn’t do. While ignoring and defending the whining, lazy, not get back on D entitlement of their goat. The judging in general. Character judgements all day. And the script is full of lies, falsehoods, dishing blame, and division. As well as blind praise, for balance. None of it real.
Talk to Lakers fans right now. They’re all angry. They were expecting the LeBron they were sold, not the real, regular season version. Its oversold to the point of false advertising.
Remember Chick Hearn? NBA glory years of growth. You know what his secret was? He called the game in front of him. You could tell he loved the game and the team himself. He was a fan, not a critic. Called balls and strikes as they happened. No predictions or expectations. Just commentating. Hubie Brown. Could feel his appreciation of the game. Again, called what he saw, and educated fans on basketball.
What we have now is people telling us the players aren’t good enough. LeBron “doesn’t have enough help” type narratives. Expecting LeBron to do what Magic did, and making excuses for him when he doesn’t.
Add to that the ridiculous jealousy analysts have about guys signing big contracts. Setting expectations based on salaries. And tearing down players when those self-created expectations are not met. Its a premise of accountability, based on all the wrong things. Nothing to do with the game.
ESPN culture exploits the NBA and its players. Its not a game anymore. Its a narrative, either to be fulfilled or to disappoint when not fulfilled. While LeBron whines, others shine, But the shadow ESPN casts over the league has fans tuning out. I love the game but there a few commentators I need to mute or tune out. The narratives are just too much bs to stomach sometimes, for those who prefer to let the basketball do the talking. Just call the dang game, Doris. Whoever asked Kyrie if LeBron has been like a father figure to him (one of the most immature dudes on the team), those type of narratives, the fakeness is serious turnoff.
Let people just have their basketball. Do it thru former PLAYERS and COACHES. Know what they’re talking about. Ratings are down on ESPN but they’re up on YOUTUBE. Because people are tuning out from the lies, and in to the truth. Player perspectives over judge jury and executioner perspectives.
It’s not that hard to get back on track. Just gotta open our eyes, Adam Silver.