Among the many conversations circulating in NBA circles is the criticism around the product and sharp decline in ratings. Notable names have added their thoughts to the discourse, including—more recently—Lakers head coach JJ Redick. Redick cited strategy, streaming and parity as main reasons why league ratings are down and said in part:
“I don’t think we … as sort of the national partners have done a good job of storytelling, of celebrating the game. If I’m a casual fan and you tell me every time I turn on the television that the product sucks, well I’m not gonna watch the product. And that’s really what has happened over the last 10-15 years.”
Now, Redick’s comments have landed him in hot water with a Hall-of-Famer turned media personality.
“Dead Man Walking”: Hall-of-Famer Rips into JJ Redick, Lakers
Barkley’s Reaction to Redick
While reviewing first half highlights of the Timberwolves-Celtics game, the “Inside the NBA” crew turned to discussing Redick’s comments, prompting Charles Barkley to attack both Redick and the Lakers.
“He said something about we’re the reason people ain’t watching this crappy product we got. … Like we out there jacking up a hundred threes a night. JJ … I don’t know Jason Monroe, I don’t know who that is, but JJ, you come for the king, you better not miss. ‘Cause I can get you brother. ‘Cause remember I got your Lakers’ games. You can’t hide them flaws they got. You just a dead man walking. They got rid of Frank Vogel who did a good job. They got rid of Darvin Ham who did a good job. If you came out there thinking you were going to change things with that same ugly girl you went on the date with—the Lakers stink.”
holy shit charles barkley just went IN on JJ Redick😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/QZZ94hTSJP
— KingCharge (@KingCharge) January 3, 2025
The “Jason Monroe” in question refers to Fox Sports host Jason McIntyre, who fired back at Barkley’s comments in a post on X.
one minute of highlights and NBA League Partner Barkley spends the entire time attacking JJ Redick and 3-pointers
If your ringless king tells you the product sucks, why should you watch?
– Jason Monroe https://t.co/fbwoBsPr6q
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) January 3, 2025
And for what it’s worth, the Lakers are looking solid in the new year, coming off of a narrow win over the Trail Blazers spearheaded by a LeBron James masterclass and a Max Christie career-high.
Barkley Proving Redick Right
While Barkley’s rant may have made for entertaining television, it also offered a prime example of what Redick and others have said over the last few weeks: league ratings are down, in part, because of harsh media analysis. It’s also worth noting how Redick believes “this game should be celebrated” instead of players and teams being torn down by broadcasters. Redick went onto say:
“The league is more talented and skilled than it was 18 years ago when I was drafted. That’s a fact. There are more players that are excellent. There are more teams that are excellent.
“I heard when I played for, I don’t know four or five years, ‘Well, why do we even play the regular season? We know who’s going to be in the finals.’ Well, guess what? We have parity now, and we’re not celebrating parity. We’re not celebrating the fact that the Western Conference is as loaded as it is.”
It’s the lack of appreciation for the game replaced by the vitriol of certain analysts’ voices that, according to fans, was on display in Barkley’s remarks last night.
Barkley making JJ’s whole point lol zero actual interest in the game in front of them. https://t.co/TKQNzYWpti
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) January 3, 2025
Also, funny as it was, Charles Barkley literally proved JJ Redick’s point while spending an entire highlight of a good game between two contenders ignoring the game to piss on JJ and the Lakers while calling the NBA a “crappy product”.
— Will Negron (@HomeoftheThrill) January 3, 2025
Discourse Will Continue, So Will Proposed Solutions
The discussion around the NBA’s ratings will only grow in the wake of Barkley’s comments, with no clear solution in sight. While fans and analysts have offered numerous fixes to increase the NBA’s viewership, The Athletic’s Zach Harper proposed a strategy that can seriously help the league: better marketing.
“Far too often, we’re making a big deal out of things away from the court, rather than the things on the court. In some varying degrees, the league, media and fans are all guilty of this. The NBA struggles to market the great young stars and the teams worthy of your adoration. LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant? They know how to market those names. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder? The Memphis Grizzlies? The Houston Rockets or Orlando Magic? That’s where the NBA has really struggled.
It feels like they just look at what is trending on social media and try to cater to that. ‘Kids like YouTube and TikTok and Instagram influencers! Let’s bring that in!’ Sure, but those platforms also have nothing to do with the NBA. Those entities of entertainment aren’t directly linked with the league, so it makes sense for them not to really be intertwined in the process. Even though social media coverage has been great, the focus can’t just be on trying to bring in young fans. At a certain point, the basketball on the floor has to be the priority. Yes, media consumption habits have changed dramatically over the years and decades, but the league doesn’t catch up in the slightest. Focus on the product. Embrace the media rights deal. And market yourself properly. Problem (potentially) solved.”
The NBA cannot solve the decline in viewership at the snap of a finger. But, it is yet another intriguing storyline for fans to monitor in 2025.
