Stephen A's Take: TV ratings are down. Magic Johnson says NBA stars, "They don’t hate each other." Stephen A responds.

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show: Detailed Summary

Episode Title:
Stephen A's Take: TV Ratings Are Down. Magic Johnson Says NBA Stars, "They Don’t Hate Each Other." Stephen A Responds.

Release Date:
December 22, 2024

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Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into the decline of NBA television ratings, exploring various factors contributing to this trend. A significant portion of the discussion centers around insights from NBA legend Magic Johnson, who attributes the drop in viewership to the diminishing rivalries and competitive fervor among today's players. Stephen A. engages with these perspectives, offering his own analysis and opinions on the matter.

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Decline in NBA Television Ratings

Overview:
The episode opens with a discussion on the noticeable drop in NBA viewership numbers on television. Stephen A. underscores the complexity of this issue, acknowledging multiple contributing factors.

Key Points:

• Adam Silver’s Perspective:
  NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recognizes the decline in viewership but attributes it primarily to the overall decrease in cable subscribers, rather than any shortcomings in the quality of basketball being played.

  Adam Silver (as quoted by Stephen A.) [01:06]:
  "The decline in cable subscribers naturally accounts for the drop in viewership."

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Magic Johnson’s Perspective on Ratios and Rivalries

Overview:
Magic Johnson steps into the conversation with a compelling argument that the current state of NBA player relationships is adversely affecting TV ratings.

Key Points:

• Lack of Rivalries:
  Magic Johnson contends that the absence of intense rivalries among players contradicts the dynamic competitiveness that historically drew fans.

  Magic Johnson [02:15]:
  "They don't hate each other. I hated Larry and every Celtic. The Celtics and Lakers hated each other. It made for great TV and people tuning in."

• Impact of Camaraderie:
  He laments that modern players are more cordial, often seen shaking hands and forming friendships, which diminishes the on-court antagonism that once heightened viewer engagement.

  Magic Johnson [02:45]:
  "Now everybody's shaking each other's hands. Everybody likes each other, won't go at each other really hard. It's got to get back to that."

• Load Management and Player Participation:
  Johnson also criticizes the trend of load management, where star players sometimes sit out games, further reducing the intensity and stakes of regular-season matches.

  Magic Johnson [03:10]:
  "Load management. The guys gotta play."

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Stephen A. Smith’s Response and Analysis

Overview:
Stephen A. responds to Magic Johnson’s assertions, offering his own insights into the dynamics at play within the NBA.

Key Points:

• Branding and Business Relationships:
  Stephen A. highlights the shift towards branding and business networking among players, suggesting that these relationships prioritize financial gains over competitive spirit.

  Stephen A. Smith [05:00]:
  "Everything is about branding. They cultivate relationships to do business together, exchanging ideas to make more money. It's hurting the game."

• Reduction in Physicality:
  He points out that the NBA’s efforts to reduce physicality and increase player safety have inadvertently lessened the on-court drama that once captivated audiences.

  Stephen A. Smith [06:15]:
  "The NBA took the physicality out of the game to make it less attractive. Less physical play means less anger, less rivalries, and ultimately, lower ratings."

• Nostalgia for Past Eras:
  Stephen A. reminisces about previous NBA eras, referencing iconic rivalries and the intense competition that defined basketball's golden moments.

  Stephen A. Smith [07:00]:
  "Remember when Shaq was playing for the Lakers and he wasn't worried about the Kings? He was the Diesel. We don’t see that kind of competitiveness today."

• Current Player Dynamics:
  He contrasts past and present, noting that players like Giannis Antetokounmpo thrive in a more solitary and fierce competitive environment, which draws fan admiration.

  Stephen A. Smith [07:50]:
  "Everybody loves Giannis because he doesn't work with anybody in the offseason. They're all his enemy. He's here to destroy them."

• Magic Johnson’s Success Off the Court:
  Acknowledging Magic Johnson’s successful transition to business, Stephen A. underscores that while networking is beneficial off the court, it may be detrimental to the sport’s competitive edge.

  Stephen A. Smith [08:30]:
  "Magic’s business acumen has made him a billionaire, but it's a double-edged sword. While networking is essential, it's taken away from the raw competition that fans crave."

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Impact of Changes on NBA’s Popularity

Overview:
The conversation wraps up by examining how the interplay of reduced rivalries, increased player camaraderie, and strategic branding has collectively contributed to the NBA's declining television ratings.

Key Points:

• Fan Engagement:
  The lack of intense rivalries and high-stakes competitions leads to decreased fan engagement, as casual viewers find fewer compelling storylines to follow.

• League Policies:
  NBA’s policy changes aimed at enhancing player safety and reducing game physicality inadvertently diminished the elements that historically drew viewership spikes during high-stakes matches.

• Economic Factors:
  The shift towards branding and business relationships emphasizes financial success over athletic competition, potentially alienating die-hard sports fans who value competitive integrity.

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Notable Quotes

• Magic Johnson [02:30]:
  "They don't hate each other. I hated Larry and every Celtic. The Celtics and Lakers hated each other. It made for great TV and people tuning in. Now everybody's shaking each other's hands. Everybody likes each other, won't go at each other really hard. It's got to get back to that."

• Magic Johnson [03:10]:
  "Load management. The guys gotta play."

• Stephen A. Smith [05:00]:
  "Everything is about branding. They cultivate relationships to do business together, exchanging ideas to make more money. It's hurting the game."

• Stephen A. Smith [07:50]:
  "Everybody loves Giannis because he doesn't work with anybody in the offseason. They're all his enemy. He's here to destroy them."

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Conclusion

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith provides a critical analysis of the NBA's declining television ratings, juxtaposing Magic Johnson’s perspective on the erosion of player rivalries with his own observations on the shifting dynamics within the league. The discussion highlights the delicate balance between fostering business relationships and maintaining the competitive spirit that has historically driven the NBA's popularity. As the league continues to evolve, these insights offer valuable considerations for stakeholders aiming to rejuvenate fan engagement and restore the fervor that once made NBA games must-watch events.

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Note:
Segments promoting other podcasts and advertisements have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the episode's substantive content.

Transcript

[A]

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.

[B]

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

[A]

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

[B]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[A]

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

[B]

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

[A]

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

[B]

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

[C]

And in the lead, by the way, let's talk about sports media, specifically television ratings for the National Basketball Association. Viewership on television is down for the league, and there are many factors that are believed to contribute to that. Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledges the decline in viewership, but he doesn't blame the product on the court. Silva notes the decline in cable subscribers, which would naturally account for the drop in viewership. However, NBA legend and hall of Famer Magic Johnson has another take. He blames the players. Listen to this quote. In fact, here's how Magic explained why today's NBA players are to blame for the ratings decline. Quote they don't hate each other. I hated Larry and every Celtic. The Celtics and Lakers hated each other. It made for great TV and people tuning in. Now everybody's shaking each other's hands. Everybody likes each other, won't go at each other really hard. It's got to get back to that. And there's a reason why the numbers are going down. And these guys better wake up and say, hey, man, we gotta change this. And also load management. The guys gotta play. End quote. Listen to me when I say what I have to say. I'm not trying to cast dispersions. You folks on YouTube and social media got to get a bit more creative. Everything is about hating, hating, hating. Why telling the facts is hating. When LeBron James departed from Miami, went back to Cleveland and then came back to play against D. Wade in the Miami Heat when Pat Riley had to go in the back because he wanted to throw up because of how much LeBron and D. Wade were hugging each other on the court during the game and stuff like that. You don't remember that. You don't remember that. You don't see all this hugging and Kumbaya ing going on. You don't remember all of that. You don't see players sitting up there and following LeBron James lead. Remember when LeBron used to play in Cleveland? They used to pose and take pictures and feint and taking pictures and all of this other stuff before they got their ass kicked and bounced out of the players by Boston or somebody. You don't remember all of that. Why did LeBron James go to Miami? It's one thing to leave Cleveland, but why go to Miami? Remember how Boston was giving it to him? Remember how Paul Pierce was chirping? Remember how KG was. Damn right. Yeah. Remember how Ray Allen ultimately turned KG and others into enemies until years later because he went to the enemy? Remember how KG came right on this show and broke down what it was like for him to go to anybody? Go to anybody but Miami? They were our enemies. This is what happened. You got to remember just recently, there were enemies. Boston was enemies with Miami, not just the Lakers. LeBron comes along and you get along with everybody. Remember how we used to sit up there and talk about how Jordan was an assassin and LeBron was such a nice guy and such a nicer human being and getting along? You know what happened to that, ladies and gentlemen? Branding. That's what happened happened. Everybody saw a way to cultivate relationships with one another, ultimately doing business with one another or advising one another on how to do business and get more money and all of this other stuff. And as a result, everybody was about brand protection. But they ain't the only ones. The NBA is guilty of this, too, because you took the physicality out of the game to a lesser degree. The NBA saw in the 90s that the game wasn't as attractive as it used to be. Started implementing rules and regulations to take out some of that physicality. And as a result, hate dissipates, too, because if somebody ain't getting away with knocking you upside the damn head or they know doing so could get themselves ejected, suspended, fined, et cetera, it's going to be less of that. Less of that leads to more cordiality. More cordiality leads to you getting along better. You getting along better means you Ain't enemies the way that you used to be. And as a result, everybody ends up singing Kumbaya to one another. And sometimes I watch the NBA and wonder if it was the latest episode of General Hospital or Young and Arrestless. That's what we talking about when Magic Johnson's talking about that hatred. Him and Isaiah were boys. You see how he treated Isaiah when Isaiah came down the middle in the NBA finals? You know why he did that? You know why he did that? Because it was a championship on the line. Ain't your damn friend right now. We can handle that shit later. Right now I'm trying to bust your ass and knock you out of here. That's what he's saying. And then ultimately Isaiah tried to come back at him. And there was no talking, there was no fraternizing, there was no dinners. I'm trying to beat you. Why you think everybody loves Giannis in this day and age? Because he don't work with nobody in off season. They're all his enemy. He's coming to destroy them. That's what we love to see. That doesn't happen because everybody mingling with one another, it ain't just because of the money they are getting. It's because the money they stand to get by talking and vibing with one another, exchanging business ideas, even doing business together. And their attitude is as long as we give you that 48 minutes on the court, we good. And in the end we don't really care because we got our paper. But it's hurt the game. And Magic Johnson is qualified to say that. See if it's Stephen A. Bump. Stephen A. Who the hell is he? Hell with him, his ass can't play anyway. Well, Magic's a five time champion and the greatest point guard in the history of basketball. Who by the way, business acumen, networking ability, willingness to co mingle and get along and cultivate and network and create relationships has turned him damn near into a billionaire. And he spearheaded movements that were ultimately followed by Michael Jordan himself and to this day and age, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James and people like that. And Shaq, let's not forget that. Remember when Shaq was playing for the Lakers and he said, I'm not worried about the Sacramento Queens, he didn't give a damn. He was the Diesel. What you gonna do about it? Remember when Charles Barkley round mounted rebound, just running over people, throwing elbows and all of this stuff? We don't see too much of that Diesel days. That's what Magic is talking about. It's not applying to all. It's not applying to some, but it's applying enough who have the power to influence the game in a far more competitively fervorish way. And they don't do it. That's who Magic Johnson's talking about. Look it up. The evidence is all there. You know. You know which plays I'm talking about, you know. Check Engine Light on. Take the guesswork out of your Check engine light with O'Reilly Berescan. It's free. Ask for O'Reilly Beriscan today. Oh, oh, oh. O'Reilly Auto Parts.

[A]

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 podcast.