Stephen A's Take: NBA begging millionaires to participant during NBA All-star week for their fans. - The Stephen A. Smith Show

Summary

Summary of "Stephen A's Take: NBA Begging Millionaires to Participate During NBA All-Star Week for Their Fans"

Released on November 28, 2024, on The Stephen A. Smith Show by Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts, this episode delves into the controversial proposed changes to the NBA All-Star Game format. Stephen A. Smith offers a passionate critique of the NBA's direction, emphasizing issues related to player motivation, league priorities, and the overall quality of the All-Star Weekend.

1. Introduction to Proposed All-Star Game Changes

Timestamp: [01:06]

Stephen A. Smith begins by addressing reports from ESPN about the NBA's intention to overhaul the All-Star Game. The proposed changes include:

Four-Team Tournament Format: Introducing a tournament structure with four teams.
Game Specifications: Two semifinal games played to 40 points each, with the winners advancing to a final match played to 25 points.
Competition Style: Aimed to resemble pickup games to enhance competitiveness and excitement.

Smith explains that these changes are the NBA's attempt to mitigate the "lackluster performances" that have plagued recent All-Star Games.

2. Critique of the New Format

Timestamp: [02:15]

Stephen A. Smith expresses strong disapproval of the proposed format, stating:

"I hate it. I have no use for means absolutely positively nothing to me. Matter of fact, I don't even want to go. I'm going to call it what it is. It's straight bullshit. It really is." ([02:20])

He argues that the new format undermines the spirit of competition that the NBA All-Star Game should embody.

3. Lack of Player Engagement and Effort

Timestamp: [03:00]

Smith criticizes the perceived lack of effort from players during All-Star Weekend compared to their dedication during the regular season and playoffs. He questions:

"Nobody should expect the players on All Star Sunday to play as hard as they play during the regular season or the playoffs." ([03:10])

He challenges the notion that players cannot maintain their offseason workout intensity during the All-Star Games, pointing out the contrast between rigorous offseason training and the sometimes indifferent performances seen on All-Star Sunday.

4. Influence of Sponsors and Corporate Partners

Timestamp: [04:00]

A significant portion of Smith's critique focuses on the influence of sponsors and corporate partners. He explains that:

"It's the sponsors and advertisers because the league caters to them and the NBA players don't get anything out of it." ([04:05])

Smith highlights that despite the NBA's multi-billion dollar status and massive player salaries, the league prioritizes corporate interests over delivering a compelling product to fans. This results in players feeling detached and unmotivated to give their best performance.

5. Financial Disparities and Player Compensation

Timestamp: [05:00]

Smith discusses the financial aspects, noting the disparity between the NBA's earnings and the compensation players receive for the All-Star Game:

"A hundred thousand dollars a piece goes to the winner of the all star game. 20,000, $25,000 go to the loser, according to CBA." ([05:05])

He argues that in a league where players earn upwards of $100 million, these All-Star payouts are insignificant and do not incentivize competitive play.

6. Impact of Recent League Deals

Timestamp: [06:00]

Addressing the recent 11-year, $77 billion deal that the NBA agreed upon, Smith points out:

"Players are getting that 50% of that. You can't show up. I mean, the effort has been lackluster." ([06:10])

He suggests that despite the lucrative deals, the lack of engagement during All-Star Weekend indicates a disconnect between the league's financial advancements and the players' commitment to showcasing their talents.

7. Specific Examples Highlighting Lack of Effort

Timestamp: [06:45]

Smith references specific instances that exemplify his concerns:

Shooting Contests: Praises Steph Curry's participation in a three-point contest against WNBA's Sabrina Unescu, expressing hope for future inclusive competitions.

"I was so proud of Steph Curry when he went up against Sabrina Unescu in a three-point shooting contest. He didn't have to do that." ([06:50])

Traditional Legends vs. Current Players: Compares the fervor and competitiveness of legends like Jordan and Magic with today's players, noting a decline in pride and vigor.

8. Overall Conclusion and Call for Accountability

Timestamp: [07:10]

Stephen A. Smith wraps up his critique by emphasizing his love for basketball and respect for the NBA's achievements, including the role of Commissioner Adam Silver. However, he insists that the league needs to address the shortcomings of the All-Star Weekend to maintain its integrity and fan interest.

"Somebody got to say it. So I said it." ([07:20])

Smith positions himself as a critic who seeks to hold the NBA accountable for delivering a quality product, highlighting the importance of player engagement and genuine competition.

Key Takeaways

Format Changes: The NBA's proposed tournament-style All-Star Game aims to boost competitiveness but is met with skepticism.
Player Motivation: There's a perceived decline in player effort during All-Star Weekend compared to the regular season and playoffs.
Corporate Influence: Sponsors and advertisers are believed to dictate the league's priorities, sidelining player incentives.
Financial Incongruence: The significant revenues and player salaries in the NBA contrast sharply with the minimal All-Star Game payouts.
Legacy vs. Modern Era: The passion and competitiveness of past NBA legends are missing from today's All-Star performances.

Notable Quotes:

"It's straight bullshit. It really is." — Stephen A. Smith ([02:20])
"Nobody should expect the players on All Star Sunday to play as hard as they play during the regular season or the playoffs." — Stephen A. Smith ([03:10])
"It's the sponsors and advertisers because the league caters to them and the NBA players don't get anything out of it." — Stephen A. Smith ([04:05])
"Somebody got to say it. So I said it." — Stephen A. Smith ([07:20])

Conclusion

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith provides a thorough and impassioned analysis of the NBA's proposed changes to the All-Star Game. He underscores critical issues such as player engagement, corporate influences, and financial disparities, questioning the league's commitment to delivering an entertaining and competitive event for fans. Smith's insights call for a reevaluation of priorities to restore the All-Star Weekend's prestige and excitement.

Transcript

Greg Rosenthal (0:00)

What's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101 free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Julie Swerbinks (0:30)

What's up everyone? Julie Swerbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

Nate Thompson (0:35)

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

Julie Swerbinks (0:38)

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

Nate Thompson (0:41)

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

Julie Swerbinks (0:46)

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

Nate Thompson (0:50)

Julia's pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

Julie Swerbinks (0:55)

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and JSP on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Stephen A. Smith (1:06)

I want to get to the NBA and the changes reportedly coming to the All Star Game. Sources tell ESPN the league wants to introduce a new four team tournament style format this season that's expected to have two semifinal games played to 40 with the winners advancing to the final match played to 25. The event would be the first of its kind expected to have competition that resembles pickup games in an effort to curtail lackluster performances seen in recent years. Again, according to espn, the NBA was in serious discussions to have three All Star teams of eight players each and the winner of the Rising Stars game take part in an All Star Game tournament. I hate it. I have no use for means absolutely positively nothing to me. Matter of fact, I don't even want to go. I'm going to call it what it is. It's straight bullshit. It really is. Let me tell y'all something, okay? Nobody should expect the players on All Star Sunday to play as hard as they play during the regular season or the playoffs. I understand that, but you trying to tell me you can't play as hard as you play in the summertime when you working out to get yourself in shape. You can't do that. We've seen plenty of footage, footages of NBA players working out in the off season, practicing in gyms, going up against one of the one another. They play harder than we see what we see on Sundays For All Star Weekend. How come you can't do that for. For the All Star Game? Now, from everything that I've been told, you know what the problem is, y'all? It's the sponsors and advertisers because the league caters to them and the NBA players don't get anything out of it. I had somebody text me this, so I'm gonna share with y'all right now to make sure that we good with it, okay? To make sure that y'all know what I'm talking about, okay? It says here it's deeper than that, Stephen. A players know that the league does all of this for their corporate partners. They're paid heavily for this weekend. And the players can't even get decent seats for their families. They feel like this is some. They're like, we have to show up for this stuff, but we don't have to play. Okay, that's what he said. They got 51 different partners. Fair enough. It's cool. And the players want to talk about. Well, we ain't getting any of that. Well, a hundred thousand dollars a piece goes to the winner of the all star game. 20,000, $25,000 go to the loser, according to CBA. I guess you can bring stuff like that up, but that ain't even the point. This is a multi billion dollar league. You got cats in the league worth over a hundred million dollars, worth over $500 million, worth over a billion dollars. You can't show just a little bit of effort in front of a packed house Inside of Arena 19. 20,000 press stars at press row all over the place. You can't just play ball like you playing ball in the off season. That's where it gets a bit extreme. That's where it gets a bit extreme. There's an 11 year, $77 billion deal that was just agreed to that kicks in for next season. Players are getting that 50% of that. You can't show up. I mean, the effort has been lackluster. And don't get me started with that sorry ass slam dunk contest. I swear to Lord, I want to sponsor my own slam dunk contest nationwide. I could do a better job. And I'm not blaming the NBA one bit. I'm blaming the players. You can't play as hard as you play while working out in the summer. Really? You just gonna have a glorified layup line All Star weekend? Really? Really. That's why I was so proud of Steph Curry when he went about against Sabrina Unescu in a three point shooting contest. He didn't have to do that. But he's the elite shooter the game has ever seen and he was going up against one of the great shooters in the wnba. And I hope Caitlin Clark does it in the future and Klay Thompson gets in on it and other people. I hope all of that happens. It promotes the game. Rising Tide lifts all boats. But when you think about previous players, when you think about Jordan and Dominique and, and, and, and, and, and Isaiah and Magic and everybody else and how they will perform for All Star Weekend, and then you see the absence of pride and fervor and vigor from today's players. You got yours, huh? You got yours so you don't have to care. And see then I'm an I'm a clown, I'm a jerk. Cuz I point stuff like this out, facts. But I'm the bad guy. Just ridiculous. Just ridiculous. Jump shots from half court. Even though Damian Lillard made one, Steph Curry made another. But damn, it's a joke. I have no desire. I love basketball. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the NBA. I am incredibly grateful and I love the job that Adam Silva has done. I love him as a commissioner. I love, love, you know, what the NBA's done overall. But there's a lot of people out there that have been turned off by the NBA product. It's still big time in social media, still big time in the digital stratosphere. But on linear television, there's a reason for that. People got better things to do with their time because they can tell when people ain't giving max effort. I'm just saying, y'all, somebody got to say it. So I said it.