2024 NBA Season and Playoffs

[ozgod]

The issue really is that it's now a meaningless game. In a way it was before, but the players took pride in it. Players like Jordan, Shaq, Kobe, Larry, they wanted to win this thing. And fans wanted to see them win it, it was seen as a true representative game, the best of the East vs the best of the West and the only prize was knowing that you beat the best from the other conference. But it doesn't contribute to winning the championship, which has become the Holy Grail for everyone - teams, executives, players, fans - that nothing else matters.

It's why we don't like players participating in anything that doesn't contribute to that goal. We don't want them playing in the in-season tournament "because they might get injured and screw us for the championship". Or playing for Team USA or their national teams "because they might get injured like Gallo or PG13". The only reason we are ok with them being picked in the ASG is because we know there's no defense played. Remember when Kemba played the ASG and did further injury to his knee and "cost us a possible championship"? We sit players in the regular season "to save them for the playoffs". Because that's all that matters now. Fans can't even derive enjoyment from watching the regular season "because I know they will choke in the playoffs and that's all that matters".

We've become ultimately results oriented, to the point where we can't appreciate the process. So in a way we're getting the ASG we deserve - a joke game that means nothing because nothing that happens during the season - wins, accolades, none of it matters unless you win a banner. Everything else is superfluous.

I predict next year we will see the first 250 point score from a team. It will be like a 48 minute three point competition. You heard it here first 

[Birdman]

I haven’t watch an ASG in probably 15 years..there’s no competitive in it anymore..they all are buddies/buddies now..Bird, Jordan, Magic, etc wanted to win & they played defense

[Kernewek]

I think that's a reasonable take, but I also think that the All-Star game was never going to recover from the advent of user-generated video becoming widespread on the internet.

The NBA is 'Where Amazing Happens', but when you can jump on your social media platform of choice and find mind-blowing dunks, for instance, any time you please, the dunk content is going to be unavoidably diminished. The same goes for watching players you might not see regularly putting on an absolute show in the All-Star Game, that's not a model for novelty that survives League Pass and YouTube. Do we think anyone is getting a bump in shoe or jersey sales these days because of the All-Star game?

It's not just an ASG issue - it's not a 1:1 equivocation, but if you look at what marketing people call the action sports, videos and video parts used to be a massive deal - bigger than the competitions, for a lot of people. Partially because there were so few of them, partially because they used to be toured like a massive party, and partially because you just couldn't see the same level of performance in your day-to-day life unless you were involved in the industry or performing at that level yourself.

[celticinorlando]

Glad that is over with. Let’s get back to work

[boscel33]

Glad that is over with. Let’s get back to work

I can't even tell you the last all-star weekend I watched.  It's definitely not must see tv any longer!

[hpantazo]

Have there ever been any serious injuries from the all-star game back when it was actually competitive? I can't recall any, but I remember some really entertaining games. Players today imo more likely worry about being shown up by their peers more than they are about injuries. Everything is about image and their social media footprint.

[ozgod]

Have there ever been any serious injuries from the all-star game back when it was actually competitive? I can't recall any, but I remember some really entertaining games. Players today imo more likely worry about being shown up by their peers more than they are about injuries. Everything is about image and their social media footprint.

The one I remember was Kobe breaking his nose in 2012. I don't think there's been any more serious injuries than that, but I'm sure none of these guys want to tempt fate and get injured...but I also think that what you mention plays a part. Though having 200 put on you is kind of being shown up, but I guess they can say "well we weren't trying anyway so who cares".

If anything, I think the whole image and social media impact is that players are much more well known now and they don't need the ASG to help them with their brand. Back in the day the ASG was a main driver for letting fans know about players. Now you can just hit Google and find out as much about a player as you want.

[Redz]

I highly recommend picking a few players and betting the over on their point totals at varying levels.  It’s the only thing that made the game mildly entertaining.  I tried to figure out who this years anointed scorer would be and guessed SGA.  He ended up with 31 extremely hollow points - not a memorable moment to be had (maybe a banked in 3?).

I had him at various bets over 15, 20, 25 (the heftiest), 30 and 35.  Also the MVP. 

Also had mixed results on a couple of Tatum bets and lost on Luka - not at all a focus.

Anyhow…throwing a few nickels into the mix made me watch the whole poop show.

[Donoghus]

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
·
1m
Sources: The Brooklyn Nets have fired head coach Jacque Vaughn.

[Phantom255x]

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
·
1m
Sources: The Brooklyn Nets have fired head coach Jacque Vaughn.

Maybe MIL will fire Doc Rivers and then the Nets get their guy!

 

[Donoghus]

Part of me likes to think that the Celtics have totally destroyed the Nets organization.

[liam]

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
·
1m
Sources: The Brooklyn Nets have fired head coach Jacque Vaughn.

That's wild. Firing a coach this deep into the season seems nonsensical.

[Roy H.]

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
·
1m
Sources: The Brooklyn Nets have fired head coach Jacque Vaughn.

That's wild. Firing a coach this deep into the season seems nonsensical.

I guess that if there's an internal candidate that they like, they can get a look at them over the last third of the season or so.

[Phantom255x]

It wasn't just that the players didn't try on defense and were walking across the court, but this "8:00 PM" game literally didn't start until almost 8:45 

Masterclass by Adam Silver!

I would honestly just get rid of the game all-together. Keep the skills competition, 3 point contest, etc. but that's about it. The actual game is insulting though.

[Goldstar88]

Evan Sidery: Mikal Bridges was “pretty vocal behind the scenes” about Jacque Vaughn’s offensive scheme, per @ShamsCharania on @RunItBackFDTV. Vaughn’s offense heading into the season was planned to be primarily built around Ben Simmons, who has only played in 12 games this season. pic.twitter.com/PgDi36dV7Y – via Twitter esidery