Can’t knock the hustle like a post-NBA All-Star Weekend episode of #ckth2things with the one and only West Philly Hippie. Aka: Two things. Two questions. And one prediction. Amongst others, today’s topics include:
QUESTION 1: WITH GLOBAL NFL VIEWERSHIP ON THE RISE AND PLAYER “LOAD-MANAGEMENT” NOW AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH, IS THE NBA SLIPPING?
LACK OF COMPETITIVENESS IN NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND
- The NBA All-Star game lacked a competitive edge and defensive hustle (to say the least)
- NBA player priorities have shifted — with today being more focused on personal well-being and protecting personal brands (Why can't more people just Be Like Mike)
- There's some heat directed at LeBron James for his role in this decline of competitiveness across the league (LeBron is a trendsetter, but perhaps not always for the best things)
DECLINE IN NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND QUALITY
- Comparing recent All-Star showdowns to the glory days of fierce competition (Detroit’s Bad Boys were a thing of beauty)
- Adam Silver's got some calls to make to address this dip in quality and excitement (Aka David Stern was an OG)
- Fans feeling let down by the current setup and performance, hoping for some changes to up the ante (Remember when the NBA was “Fantastic” primetime viewing?)
QUESTION 2: HOW DOES THE NBA FIX THE SLAM DUNK CONTEST — AND ALL-STAR WEEKEND AS A WHOLE?
SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND
- Let's tie those All-Star game outcomes to home-court advantage in the NBA Finals, give 'em some skin in the game (in addition to cutting people a check)
- Sweeten the pot with extra cash incentives to get the players more hype (Call Google)
- Getting nostalgic thinking about those jaw-dropping moments in the Dunk Contests of old, we need to bring that back (Spud Webb stand up)
IMPACT OF LEBRON JAMES ON THE NBA AND PLAYER MINDSET
- Gotta give props to LeBron for his off-court efforts and the positive impact on communities (Big respect, obviously)
- There's talk about how his influence might be affecting the league's competitiveness and player loyalty (Aka lightening-rod LeBron)
- We're seeing some shifts in player control and loyalty, thanks to LeBron's influence and the changing NBA landscape (Player empowerment like whoa)
PREDICTION: NBA’S MVP AWARD, DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AND THE NBA FINALS
NBA SEASON AWARDS PREDICTIONS
- Andre is calling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Dončić as potential MVP contenders this season (Aka young guns on the rise)
- Keep an eye on rookie Victor Wembanyama for Defensive Player of the Year, he's making waves (Aka 10 block triple-doubles)
- And when it comes to the NBA Finals, my money's on the LA Clippers and Boston Celtics locking horns (#gobiggreen)
NBA PLAYOFFS PREDICTIONS AND TEAM ANALYSIS
- Let's get real about the Philadelphia 76ers' playoff prospects, it's gonna be tough (There's always next year)
- Looking at the LA Clippers as strong contenders for the Western Conference crown (If only they were still in San Diego)
- Don't sleep on underdog teams like the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves; they might just surprise us (Because Anthony Edwards is a beast)
As always, big ups and much respect to Andre for bringing the energy and sharing the knowledge. Tap into the West Philly Hippie and The Good Ole Days Sports podcast for more expert analysis.
Cheers and enjoy.