***Official 2024-2025 NBA Thread***

[KC_Connection]

Season starts tonight with Knicks and Celtics followed by Lakers and TWolves.

Will history be made early in the 2nd game?

[KC_Connection]

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

I guess I'm not still following.

The 2024 NBA Finals, featuring the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics, averaged 11.3 million viewers across both TV and streaming platform. The 96 NBA finals averaged 29 million per game and we have added a few billion people to the worldwide population since then.

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

[BigCatDaddy]

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

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?

[KC_Connection]

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

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

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?

[KC_Connection]

For the first time, less than half of 16 to 24-year-olds are now watching traditional TV - live and catch-up programming on a television set at home - each week.

Just 48% of young adults tuned in during an average week last year, compared with 76% just five years before (2018), according to Ofcom's annual Media Nations report.
They watched traditional TV for an average of 33 minutes each day, down 16% year-on-year.

It will come as no surprise to many that the age group spent three times as long each day (1hr 33min) watching video-sharing platforms such as TikTok and YouTube.
Children between the ages of four and 15 are also switching off, with only 55% watching traditional TV each week last year, compared to 81% in 2018.

But there has also been a decline in middle-aged viewers (45 to 54), dropping from 89% to 84% since 2023, and a 5% drop in viewers aged between 65 and 75.

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.

[BigCatDaddy]

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

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?

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

[KC_Connection]

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

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.

[KC_Connection]

This is how long LeBron has been dominating the league pic.twitter.com/otShma4t0P

— LeBron History 🏀 (@bronhistory) December 28, 2024

Turns 40 today.

[KC_Connection]

Breaking records like a broken record. LeBron James passes Michael Jordan for MOST 30+ point games in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/dkrGtuNnR3

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 4, 2025

[BigCatDaddy]

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.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

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.

[BigCatDaddy]

Originally Posted by BWillie

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.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

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.

[BigCatDaddy]

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.

[Pitt Gorilla]

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.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by Pitt Gorilla

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.