2023-24 Running NBA thread

For some reason, I don't think this bodes well for the quality of product the US Olympic team will be later this year ...

 

I think people are starting to overreact to this.

The All-Star game was entirely unwatchable. It's not really indicative of any sort of overriding problem with the league.

Part of the problem was that the game was a blowout going into the 4th quarter. Usually the players buckle down with about ten minutes to go and you get a really entertaining finish. This year it was a 20 point margin, so they just kept jacking up uncontested shots until the game ended.

The "answer," if there is one, is probably to increase the prize money for winning. I'm not sure what else you can do to fix it.

But really, All-Star games are a letdown in any sport. If you can't fix it... (shrug) Not the end of the world.

 

Why? That the players (including the top players for other countries) don’t care about a meaningless exhibition has nothing to do with how they will perform later this season or in Paris.

 

Yes and no. The weekend is a microcosm of what most ails the league, and that is the answer to most stakeholders' concerns is "less basketball."

How do we give the regular season more juice? Until the IST (the jury is still out but that shit was kinda fun), the answer was "less basketball."

How many games do I need to make All-NBA? The desired answer? Less basketball.

How many games do I need to be max-contract eligible? The desired answer? Less basketball.

How do I stay healthy? Less basketball.

I want to be an All-Star but do I have to show up, participate, and try? After all, this is the All-Star break and as such it's time for...less basketball.

 

Imagine if baseball pitchers were throwing "BP" when they were on the mound at the ASG - that is what we see (or saw) in other ASGs. They don't throw inside much - but you do get the competition. Of best giving their best.

 

Except pitching is all that is all that pitchers do and the reason why they were chosen for the game. They pitch one inning at like 90% and are done.

The purpose of naming the All Star teams is to reward the best players. The purpose of the All Star weekend is to have parties and not to get hurt.

 

They probably should stop throwing up 3-pointers from half court, then. Might injure a shoulder.

 

I don’t understand most of the examples which you are giving. Who is giving “less basketball” other than older players and those coming off injuries occasionally sitting out to be ready for the playoffs?

 

There's really only one problem with the NBA All-Star Game (and probably the same for the others), why risk your $50M/yr pay (and upcoming extension) for "pride" and "professionalism"? Not going to happen. The winner's check in MLB used to have meaning and an impact on a player's pay, not so anymore. Same for the NBA and NFLers. We can all hope to see the MJ v. Magic showdown, but that's not going to happen until the reward is something that is commensurate with the risk.

 

I guess they're risking their extension.

But their current contracts are guaranteed, aren't they?

I mean, if that's really what's driving an unwillingness to jump and contest a shot, then just shut it down.

 

Expanding on my earlier thought - six four-man teams - three from each conference. Double - elimination 3 on 3 1 and 2 pt scoring to 11 (win by two. The hook would be six fans would be randomly drawn and draft teams of the 12 All stars from each conference. Off site in a "snake draft" - They'd sit on the sidelines with an NBA coach and the winning team would get $1m per player - and the fan/GM as well.
Imagine looking at a fan who just lays it on - hoping to buy a house, hoping to pay for my kids college etc. etc.

 

Congratulations. You just invented the NHL All-Star Game.