Almost like the rise of streaming and decline in network/cable television completely changed viewership trends across the board. Amazing how that worked.

I’m trying to figure out what you are saying. People quit watching sports because of AOL?

Yes? Viewership is down significantly on literally every form of televised media from what it was 30 years ago. How are you not aware of this?

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crgm9z1dpkpo

This is another reason why the NFL is getting involved with Netflix right now. Young people aren't even watching television anymore.

Interesting since we just had the highest rated SB ever but the NBA finals are down 62% from the MJ era.

The Super Bowl still being a ratings behemoth doesn't change the underlying point.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is how long LeBron has been dominating the league <a href="https://t.co/otShma4t0P">pic.twitter.com/otShma4t0P</a></p>&mdash; LeBron History 🏀 (@bronhistory) <a href="https://twitter.com/bronhistory/status/1873095250170003770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Turns 40 today.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Breaking records like a broken record. LeBron James passes Michael Jordan for MOST 30+ point games in NBA history. <a href="https://t.co/dkrGtuNnR3">pic.twitter.com/dkrGtuNnR3</a></p>&mdash; Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1875416464540496372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

What about shrinking the diameter of the basket a bit? I don't know how much that would impact the number of 3's to 2's taken but just a thought.

Watch a game on YouTube from 1998.

Now go watch a OKC Thunder game from 2024.

I have no clue. None. Why anyone would prefer the 1998 play.

It's a lazy narrative created by people who don't even watch the NBA and have not for decades.

Bullshit. I’ve watched the NBA recently and it’s trickled down to even the lower levels and that shit is hard to watch to. You see 3’s, layups and free throws. That’s about it. I get the math says that’s the smart play but it’s boring as hell.

One of the great things about watching MJ was his work in the post which is non existent amongst players today.

More dunks in todays game. More explosive plays. Yes more threes too but who really likes watching back to the basket basketball? I've watched my share of Bill Self ball which is much more like late 90s ball than anything any NBA coaches do and it makes my eyes bleed. I watch OKC and the ball movement, the shooting, the spacing, passing and guys actually getting to display their athleticism. Its beautiful.

I love watching guys operate in the posts. It’s also something different. . Every game at every level looks the same. Space out, drive for a layup, kick out three or a lob at the bucket for a big. Same shit every game. Whoever wins the 3 point contest wins the game.

People do realize that SGA is doing all the things people are claiming they want to see nightly, no? He'll shoot an occasional 3, but that's not really his game. I understand that people like to whine in generalities, but let's at least pretend to be grounded in reality a bit.

Absolutely right. As Ive said before in the thread if there is any player in the NBA that stylistically plays like Jordan it is SGA. NBA should market as such but they don't.

NFL protects the shield and their product. Never saying a bad word. NBA broadcast partners, even Chuck who is funny, throw alot of NBA guys under the bus and question their toughness etc which doesn't help the narrative. Instead of propping up your day give some of the new guys their due. There has never, ever been more talent in the NBA.