NBA Thread

[greyhammer90]

Can we get this stuff moved to a politics thread. I come to this thread to read about basketball, not ratings *wink-wink* and what those numbers mean *wink-wink*

 

[Irish2155]

I agree with Hammer. Since the NBA chose to put politics at the forefront instead of sport it seems appropriate to move this thread to Chinese politics.

 

[Irish YJ]

Can we get this stuff moved to a politics thread. I come to this thread to read about basketball, not ratings *wink-wink* and what those numbers mean *wink-wink*

So the NBA chose to make politics mainstream in their sports, now you want to remove politics from the NBA thread? Ironic no?

 

[ulukinatme]

Sunday night's crappy game of 1-4 MN vs Seattle got twice the viewership of the NBA final lol...

It comes down to the NBA has been both hypocritical at they same time they have been in-your face. The NFL has been more measured.

It's a business. If you choose to be preachy at your fanbase about politics, you're going to turn half the fan base off. If you choose to be preachy and be hypocritical at the same time, you'll turn off even more. And when your biggest star and the actual League office itself have been hypocrites, that doesn't help either.

My personal interest in the NBA has declined over the years, but I still watched the Pacers. This is the first year however I didn't watch any of the finals, and really gave zero Fs about it.

Well at least they have the China market....

No italics.

The hypocrisy of it all is damning. You want to support equality and care about the lives of oppressed people, that's perfectly fine...just don't turn your back on the atrocities committed by China because you're afraid of losing the Yen. Can't have it both ways.

 

[greyhammer90]

So the NBA chose to make politics mainstream in their sports, now you want to remove politics from the NBA thread? Ironic no?

It would be if I was the NBA, or if this discussion had any chance of actually changing anyone's minds on anything. There's plenty of threads for you to whine about how much the libs hurt you. Culture, police state, etc. We don't need an update from the same 4 posters every week about how much they (and their moms) don't watch basketball anymore.

Moving on... I thought the bubble was great for what it was, and Silver deserves a lot of credit for leading the charge to safely bring back sports in a time when we had a lot less information and fear levels were extremely high. They did their best with crowd noise but there's just no replacing actual crowd reactions or fan interaction at these things. One thing I wish would stay permanent is the removal of courtside seats. The ability of players to go full bore on blocks/dunks/chasing rebounds without fear of crashing into some trophy wife or spoiled kid really improved the game IMO. It definitely won't, because there's a lot of money in those seats, but it improved the product and was safer for the players.

 

[Irish#1]

Seems most everything has some political tones anymore. The COVID thread is a good example. It's as political as it is medical.

But TBH, I don't think this has gone that far down the rabbit hole of politics where it should be moved. When the discussion centered around viewership was someone supposed to mention "my view on lower ratings has to do with the current display of activism" so I'll reply in a political thread?

 

[Irish YJ]

It would be if I was the NBA, or if this discussion had any chance of actually changing anyone's minds on anything. There's plenty of threads for you to whine about how much the libs hurt you. Culture, police state, etc. We don't need an update from the same 4 posters every week about how much they (and their moms) don't watch basketball anymore..

Still seems ironic when someone who has whined about whiners, and is probably pro-woke-NBA and anti shut-up-and-dribble, is now shut-up-and-just talk-sports.

Personally I think all-time-low ratings is relevant news to the NBA, and seems to be more discussed right now than the finals themselves. Regardless, happy to not-discuss ratings anymore if it makes you happy. My mom will be hurt though.

 

[greyhammer90]

Still seems ironic when someone who has whined about whiners, and is probably pro-woke-NBA and anti shut-up-and-dribble, is now shut-up-and-just talk-sports.

Personally I think all-time-low ratings is relevant news to the NBA, and seems to be more discussed right now than the finals themselves. Regardless, happy to not-discuss ratings anymore if it makes you happy. My mom will be hurt though.

I don't recall saying much about what my opinions were about woke-NBA. For what it's worth I believe I went after ACamp for doing the same thing in this very thread in a non-political way over the last few years. What's the point of constantly coming to a thread to announce you don't like the topic? Move on then. I don't spend my time in the baseball thread complaining every week about how the games take 4 hours. Because it's assholish to other posters. It's clear you want to talk politics. That's fine, more power to you. Go do that and stop baiting everyone.

 

[Rogue219]

Anthony Davis is a free agent. I suppose there is nothing political about that, though he could choose to play in TX or FL because there si no income tax. Which isn't how free agency works, but I digress.

Kareem played with the Lakers until he was 40. Lebron is about to turn 36 and just led the League in assists. He seems more than willing to adapt his game in addition to keeping himself in good shape and working on weaker parts of his game (he was stellar defensively this past season compared to previous years. That's Vogel).

The NBA would likely wish to see their bigger market teams in the East like New York and Chicago stop sucking at some point. Assuming that could provide even a slight boost for them with "ratings" or dollars, it would be good.

A healthy Steve Nash led Brooklyn team is going to make things interesting as well as a healthy Golden State.

Question is when do they start, do you remove all of the messaging that makes people feel uncomfortable even though they aren't watching and if so what do the players say/do going forward?

I was impressed that the NBA and NHL were able to pull off their seasons. I'm sure hockey fans would've booed Gary Bettman in person, though.

 

[Rogue219]

To be clear, you’ve never seen me on a soccer thread.

Again, choose to acknowledge it or not...it’s real.

Inability or the choice to not see the larger picture will result badly. Lebron is praised now, kudos...wait until it’s the next generation’s time to be paid. That’s when it’ll finally hit reality.

It’s really not hard to forecast. .

To be clear, I never said I did or didn't see you in a soccer thread. Happy Wednesday.

 

[Irish YJ]

I don't recall saying much about what my opinions were about woke-NBA. For what it's worth I believe I went after ACamp for doing the same thing in this very thread in a non-political way over the last few years.

Pretty sure I remember you being pro woke-NBA over the summer in this very thread and discussing the current climate of the player movement. If not, I apologize.

What's the point of constantly coming to a thread to announce you don't like the topic? Move on then. I don't spend my time in the baseball thread complaining every week about how the games take 4 hours. Because it's assholish to other posters. It's clear you want to talk politics. That's fine, more power to you. Go do that and stop baiting everyone.

My post in reply to TG and #1 were one of like 20+ already on the topic. There was no baiting anyone, unless you are saying my italics reply to you is baiting. If I am correct that you yourself were discussing politics or the non-sports aspects earlier this summer, it seems pretty hypocritical now......

 

[Rogue219]

They might not, but should if they care about the the league. Lebron single handily has jeopardized millions of $$$ for many. The incoming players are the ones who should be upset the most.

Those folks are cunts, and sorry you’re experiencing that but happy to see you’re taking the high road. I don’t know if I’d still have those friends and family is what it is. That sucks man.

I am not entirely familiar with how their players union works, but they were all seemingly together and on the same page at least going into the bubble. I am part of the minority, I suppose, that enjoys their product and consumes it. I am not watching or paying attention to nearly as much NHL, NFL or CFB in recent years. Yes, I cut cable recently, but I still have access to everything.

The pandemic has forced me to take inventory on who I was spending time with. Yeah, it sucks, but what can I do? It's reality. These folks, especially in the last five years, have gone out of their way to let everyone around them know what they really think and who they really are. They do it in a way to pick fights, start arguments or make others feel uncomfortable.

There are silver linings to everything, even a global pandemic.

 

[Rogue219]

They should care about ratings because revenue and salary caps are directly related. Ratings go down so does revenue and contracts will reflect it. Viewership may be down in other sports, but none have shown as drastic drop as the NBA.

Sure.

For now, though, they were competing. At a really high level at that. Jimmy Butler squeezed every ounce of ability out of himself and it still wasn't enough. It was fun to watch that kind of effort, though.

 

[Irish#1]

Sure.

For now, though, they were competing. At a really high level at that. Jimmy Butler squeezed every ounce of ability out of himself and it still wasn't enough. It was fun to watch that kind of effort, though.

Why do I feel you're trying to justify the NBA or you being a fan? I have no animosity towards the NBA, the players themselves or you. As I mentioned before, they should have just canceled the season IMO. The break in between, the negotiations on how and when to resume, then having to wait for it to resume, and no fans just didn't lend itself to any continuity where the fans that aren't diehard NBA fans were going to tune in.

This really doesn't have anything to do with Jimmy Butler's or Lebron James performance and I don't think anyone has criticized anyone's performances. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Maybe you were expecting more to revel in your excitement?

 

[greyhammer90]

Why do I feel you're trying to justify the NBA or you being a fan? I have no animosity towards the NBA, the players themselves or you. As I mentioned before, they should have just canceled the season IMO. The break in between, the negotiations on how and when to resume, then having to wait for it to resume, and no fans just didn't lend itself to any continuity where the fans that aren't diehard NBA fans were going to tune in.

This really doesn't have anything to do with Jimmy Butler's or Lebron James performance and I don't think anyone has criticized anyone's performances. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Maybe you were expecting more to revel in your excitement?

I think it's hard to say whether or not it was a good business decision because I don't have all of the contracts in front of me. There may have been a big amount of money on the line if they didn't deliver a product to networks within the calendar year, or it may have some effect on the agreement with the player's union. There's a lot of moving parts there. FWIW, in a vacuum, while I enjoyed getting to watch the NBA and NFL at the same time I probably would agree with you that cancelling the season was the more prudent call. I do respect that they went for it though. The NFL basically went without any plan at all, and while it appears to be somewhat working out (Titans baby!), that was very risky.

 

[RDU Irish]

I report every NBA ad on Twitter as a political ad. As such, I submit this thread gets moved to politics. They can all eat one big Chinese dick, IMHO. Gang/domestic violence should be their cause, so many people (kids!) shot and/or killed in the streets - such a larger issue. They could champion an actual bipartisan issue to affect positive change instead of supporting this hypocritical politicized shit show.

 

[Irish#1]

I think it's hard to say whether or not it was a good business decision because I don't have all of the contracts in front of me. There may have been a big amount of money on the line if they didn't deliver a product to networks within the calendar year, or it may have some effect on the agreement with the player's union. There's a lot of moving parts there. FWIW, in a vacuum, while I enjoyed getting to watch the NBA and NFL at the same time I probably would agree with you that cancelling the season was the more prudent call. I do respect that they went for it though. The NFL basically went without any plan at all, and while it appears to be somewhat working out (Titans baby!), that was very risky.

I agree, it was about the money. My guess is players contracts had to be paid, thus the decision to play.

 

[Blazers46]

If a tree falls and nobody is there to hear it does anyone care is how I summarize this NBA season.

 

[Blazers46]

This is fun to look at.... The spikes are MJ and the Bulls years and then everything else....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_television_ratings

 

[Irish2155]

This is fun to look at.... The spikes are MJ and the Bulls years and then everything else....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Finals_television_ratings

MJ was must see TV.

 

[Rogue219]

Why do I feel you're trying to justify the NBA or you being a fan? I have no animosity towards the NBA, the players themselves or you. As I mentioned before, they should have just canceled the season IMO. The break in between, the negotiations on how and when to resume, then having to wait for it to resume, and no fans just didn't lend itself to any continuity where the fans that aren't diehard NBA fans were going to tune in.

This really doesn't have anything to do with Jimmy Butler's or Lebron James performance and I don't think anyone has criticized anyone's performances. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Maybe you were expecting more to revel in your excitement?

I don't have to justify anything to anyone. I'm looking for basketball conversation and am trying, unsuccessfully, to steer the thread back to that. Hence referencing Jimmy Butler's outstanding effort though his team lost the series.

Yes, I wish more people enjoyed NBA Basketball. I'd like for this thread to be a place for those who do. Those who don't have stated their case, here and in other threads.

That being said....

 

[Rogue219]

Anthony Davis appears set to be resigning with the Lakers.

Already prior to Free agency and the draft, this could be a very compelling title race with AD staying in LA along with Golden State and New Jersey being healthy.

They need to get the calendar set. As far as I know the only firm date for anything is the draft?

 

[Rogue219]

I think it's hard to say whether or not it was a good business decision because I don't have all of the contracts in front of me. There may have been a big amount of money on the line if they didn't deliver a product to networks within the calendar year, or it may have some effect on the agreement with the player's union. There's a lot of moving parts there. FWIW, in a vacuum, while I enjoyed getting to watch the NBA and NFL at the same time I probably would agree with you that cancelling the season was the more prudent call. I do respect that they went for it though. The NFL basically went without any plan at all, and while it appears to be somewhat working out (Titans baby!), that was very risky.

This was the case, in some form, with just about every sport including the English Premier League. TV money was a significant factor in all of them having some sort of season.

I thought the NBA and NHL really did it right.

 

[PraetorianND]

I used to really enjoy the NBA.

Extreme lack of parity, "super teams," and annoying activism became too much.

I just wanna watch my sportsball in peace. Knowing the outcome before it starts makes it not worth watching; layer on tons of messaging I don't care to get makes it even less enjoyable.

 

[Rogue219]

Indiana Pacers will interview Heat assistants Chris Quinn and Dan Craig

Lue still the favorite for the Clippers.

Pelicans are down to Stan Van Gundy, Lue and maybe two others. Not Jason Kidd, though.

Thunder are looking at Spurs assistant Will Hardy and Thunder assistant Brian Keefe.

Rockets GM Daryl Morey just stepped down today.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Looks like Billups is expected to join Lue's staff in LA.

 

[Irish#1]

Anthony Davis appears set to be resigning with the Lakers.

Already prior to Free agency and the draft, this could be a very compelling title race with AD staying in LA along with Golden State and New Jersey being healthy.

They need to get the calendar set. As far as I know the only firm date for anything is the draft?

Don't think there was any doubt he would.

I have no idea what Pritchard is doing, except he's interviewing every assistant coach in the league.. lol

 

[Rogue219]

Looks like Billups is expected to join Lue's staff in LA.

I came here to post the Clippers were hiring Lue, but didn't know about this. This is a significant staff hiring if true.

So Stan Van Gundy likely the favorite for the Pelicans now.

I am anxiously awaiting to see what Billy Donovan does in Chicago with his staff, and with AD staying in LA now, any pipedream Bulls fans had about getting AD home is gone.

Interesting stuff.

 

[Rogue219]

Don't think there was any doubt he would.

I have no idea what Pritchard is doing, except he's interviewing every assistant coach in the league.. lol

Yeah, the Pacers have interviewed at least a dozen candidates so far.

 

[NDohio]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The 19/20 <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBA</a> season set new digital media records for the league.<br><br>—6.9B video views on social channels since July 30 restart<br>—2.6B video views on Instagram<br>—1B video views during Finals across platforms<br>—321M YouTube views during the postseason<br>—61M YouTube views during Finals</p>— FOS Insights (@FOSInsights) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOSInsights/status/1316514824856260608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>