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[Saba Sports News] Paul George recently weighed in on the ongoing NBA ratings discourse during his ‘Podcast P’ show, offering a candid critique of how analytics have reshaped the league and contributed to its drop in viewership.
George pointed to the emphasis on analytics-driven basketball—focusing on three-pointers, layups, and free throws—as a factor alienating fans of the more physical, old-school style of play.
“Analytics kind of took over the game being played,” George explained.
“Coaches want three-pointers, or a layup, or get to the free-throw line… A lot of [fans] are old-school. They’re used to how the NBA was. There’s been a lot of stars that have been injured—a kid that loves a certain star, and they’re not going to go play. There’s no point in me going to the game. Back then, it was a lot more rivalry stuff. I don’t think there are that big of rivalries anymore that is must-see… You can argue that eras played harder and more physical. In this era, we are definitely probably the most skilled. Now we just gotta add the extra elements into that.”
George’s perspective highlights a growing sentiment: that the homogeneity of today’s NBA, driven by a sanitized, analytics-heavy approach, has diminished the league’s uniqueness and appeal.
Nearly all teams now adopt similar playing styles, reducing the variety and creativity on display. While today’s players may be more skilled overall, the focus on shooting has made exceptional shooters less remarkable, as most players have become competent or even great shooters.
The decline in NBA ratings may also be attributed to a lack of captivating player personalities. In previous eras, magnetic stars like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce combined their immense talent with charisma and swagger, drawing fans into arenas and keeping them glued to their screens.
Jordan, for instance, was as much a showman as he was a dominant player, known for his trash-talking, confidence, and fiery aggression.
George suggests that modern players need to bring more personality and flair to the court to reignite fan interest. While young stars like Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball have charm and swagger, the league hasn’t fully capitalized on their personas to create must-watch moments.
As George pointed out, the NBA is the most skilled it has ever been, but to address the ratings challenge, the league must allow players’ personalities to shine, embrace rivalries, and inject the game with the intensity and unpredictability that made previous eras unforgettable.