Paul George blames modern day analytics for ‘ruining’ basketball and NBA ratings

On Podcast P with Paul George, PG blamed advanced analytics for the decline in fan interest in the NBA's modern product.

Paul George blames modern day analytics for ‘ruining’ basketball and NBA ratings

Paul George attributes analytics to NBA's declining ratings.

Every day, a new finger is pointed towards something vague and obscure as the reason why NBA ratings are plummeting. On a recent episode of Podcast P with Paul George, Paul George shared his thoughts on the issue.

Dallas Rutherford, the co-host of the show, posed a question about whether the NBA’s product is no longer enjoyable to George. In response, PG explained that fans are accustomed to the old-school style of basketball, which fostered uniqueness and creativity on the court, as opposed to the modern “analytics ball.” Here’s what he had to say:

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Analytics kind of took over the game being played. Coaches want three-pointers, or a layup, or get to the free-throw line… A lot of them are old-school fans. 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.

Paul George said

He also went on to highlight the homogenous environment that is prevalent today in the NBA which is completely opposite to the old-school basketball. Back then, rivalries were red-hot and as intense as those in the NFL. It’s amazing that even after over 25 years, Michael Jordan‘s Chicago Bulls vs the Utah Jazz in game 6 of the 1998 Finals remains the peak of the NBA product, as the series averaged 35.89 million viewers—the highest in NBA history to date.

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The NBA is in dire need of an on-court personality that could emulate Michael Jordan‘s persona. The lack of competition, trash-talking, playoff rivalries, and throwing down slam-dunks with authority has created a very measured and predictable style of play. Fans aren’t getting as many highlight reels as they used to. Despite this being the most skilled era, there’s a lack of originality and flexibility in the game.

Paul George reveals recording rap songs with former teammate Lance Stephenson During their Indiana Days

It’s sometimes hard to separate today’s ballers from rappers. They share the same flamboyant clothes, are blinged out to the teeth, and ooze similar personas. From Shaquille O’Neal to Damian Lillard, it’s nothing new for basketball players to drop an album during the offseason.

The newest additions to this trend include Miles Bridges and Lance Stephenson, who recently spit some bars during their appearance on On the Radar.

When Paul George was asked by his co-host to comment on the freestyle of his former teammate, PG admitted that he and Stephenson actually have “a couple tracks together that are floating out there from 10 years ago.” When co-host Jackie Long took playful shots at PG’s rapping abilities, PG smiled and retaliated, dubbing his features as “fire.”

This growing trend of professional basketball athletes aspiring to be part-time rappers isn’t new, and the verdict has been pretty mixed so far, with fans labeling it as “subpar bars.” Nonetheless, Paul George confirmed that he does have some tracks that are “floating out there.”

In his last match-up, PG recorded a substandard performance, tallying 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal on 4-of-9 shooting from the field to secure a victory against the Portland Blazers. Next, the Philadelphia 76ers will fly out to Sacramento to face off against the Kings on Wednesday night.