Charles Barkley reminds JJ Redick that Lakers fired Frank Vogel, Darvin Ham: ‘You just a dead man walking’
As someone who has spent decades immersed in the world of sports, I have to say that I find the current state of NBA coverage both fascinating and disheartening. I’ve been a part of the industry for many years, first as a player and then as a broadcaster, and I’ve seen the game evolve in ways I could never have imagined when I was drafted back in 1984.
However, it seems that something has shifted in recent years, and not for the better. The constant criticism and negativity surrounding the league is taking away from the beauty and skill of the game itself. As a fan, I long for the days when sports were about camaraderie, competition, and celebration.
I find myself reminiscing about those halcyon days spent on the court with my fellow players, the thrill of the game, and the joy of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Nowadays, it often feels like all anyone wants to talk about is how terrible the product is, and I can’t help but feel that we as broadcasters have a responsibility to change that narrative.
We need to focus on the positive aspects of the game, celebrate its beauty, and encourage new fans to join us in our love for basketball. After all, the NBA has never been more talented or skilled than it is today. We just need to find a way to showcase that talent in a way that does justice to the incredible athletes who give their all on the court every night.
And as for those who say the product sucks? Well, I’d like to remind them of an old saying: if you don’t have anything nice to say, maybe you should just watch football instead. But seriously, let’s get back to celebrating this amazing game we all love so much!
LA Lakers coach, JJ Redick, recently suggested that the media’s excessive criticism could play a role in the drop in NBA viewership this season.
Two weeks after Redick’s comments, basketball Hall of Famer and regular commentator on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” show, Charles Barkley, seemed to have taken those remarks to heart and responded with a passionate outburst of his own.
During a recap of the Boston Celtics’ 118-115 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday evening, host Ernie Johnson noted the significant number of three-pointers (96) that were attempted throughout the match.
Barkley playfully remarked, “Apparently, I’m the one to blame, and oh, by the way, I seem to have overheard JJ Redick saying something about me.
Johnson queried, “Was it particular that he mentioned you, or was he merely discussing people on television?
Hollywood Inc.
In simpler terms, the well-loved studio program continues to exist due to the legal agreement reached between Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA.
Barkley assumed control of the conversation, discussing Redick while the highlights of the Celtics-Timberwolves game kept playing.
He implied that we are responsible for people not watching this subpar product we’re dealing with,” Barkley stated. “Exactly, us, like we’re out there making a hundred three-pointers every night. JJ, JJ, if you challenge the king, don’t miss. Because I can take you down, buddy, remember, I have your Lakers games on record.
Barkley frequently brought up Redick and the Lakers (19-14), discussing the coaches who led the team before Redick took over.
Barkley often talked about Redick and the Lakers (19-14), referring to the coaches who had been in charge of the team prior to Redick’s tenure.
Or, using active voice:
Barkley mentioned two men who previously coached the Lakers (19-14) alongside his discussions about Redick.
As someone who has been in management for years, I can tell you that it takes a lot of courage and wisdom to admit when things aren’t working and make changes. But sometimes, holding onto a failing situation out of comfort or familiarity can be detrimental.
In my own experience, I’ve seen teams and organizations stuck in their ways, unwilling to take risks or try new approaches, even when it was clear that the old methods weren’t working. It’s like going on the same date with the same person, expecting different results, but getting the same disappointing outcome.
It’s not easy to let go of what’s familiar and comfortable, but sometimes it’s necessary to move forward. Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham did a good job, but perhaps it was time for something new. Change can be difficult, but it can also bring about growth and success if approached with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Lakers
Last season, Darvin Ham led the Lakers to victory in the NBA championship, only to assist the Bucks in securing their own championship this year. Despite these achievements, he remains discontented due to his dismissal by L.A. back in May.
As a seasoned sports analyst with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen it all – the camaraderie, the rivalries, and the occasional clashes between colleagues. However, watching Johnson and Barkley go at it on-screen was an extraordinary spectacle that left me in stitches. It seemed like a friendly battle of wits between two giants of the game, each trying to outdo the other, much to the delight of analysts Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith who were laughing heartily at the exchange. While Johnson was diligently explaining the highlights, Barkley refused to be silenced, continuing his banter, creating an electrifying atmosphere that only added to the excitement of the game. It was a unique moment in sports broadcasting history, and I can confidently say it’s an experience I will never forget.
In simpler terms, Barkley said, “He walked in with confidence, believing he could fix the situation. Absolutely, you can. Just add some improvements where needed. The Lakers are struggling, buddy. Let’s face it, we’re part of the problem. We’re the reason for the low ratings… Listen, if Shaq and I were playing, the ratings would still be low. But to be fair, if Shaq and I played, we’d likely be among the third or fourth best players on that Laker team right now. ‘Chuck, get into the game! Shaq, get into the game!’ There are explosive plays out there. However, it’s Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham who should take the blame.
Johnson finally asked, “How did we go there from Minnesota and Boston?”
I replied: “It’s because everyone is making a hundred threes and blaming us for the low ratings, so here we go again with another three-point shooting competition in just thirty seconds!
This season, the Celtics are taking more three-point shots than any other team, averaging approximately 50.6 attempts per game. On the other hand, the Timberwolves come in sixth place, making an average of 40 three-point shots per game.
Sports
It appears that the popular ‘Inside the NBA’ show on TNT, featuring Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, is expected to conclude following the 2024-25 NBA season, as the league may be moving away from the network.
According to Sports Media Watch, approximately 1.4 million viewers tune into NBA games on ABC, ESPN, and TNT during this season, representing a decrease of about 19% compared to last year. Notably, commentators like Barkley and the “Inside the NBA” team have voiced concerns over the high volume of three-point shots taken by league players.
Previously employed as an NBA analyst by ESPN from 2021 until his employment with the Lakers in June, Redick discussed the decrease in ratings during a press conference prior to L.A.’s game against the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 19. Redick provided several potential reasons before directing his attention towards the media.
Redick expressed his viewpoint that “We, as national partners, haven’t done a great job of showcasing and appreciating the game. If I were a casual fan, repeatedly hearing that the game isn’t good would make me hesitant to watch it. And unfortunately, this is what seems to have happened over the last decade or so. I can’t pinpoint why.” It’s not amusing to him.
18 years have passed since I was drafted, and let me tell you, the league today is brimming with exceptional talent and skill. It’s a fact. More players are excelling, more teams are thriving, yet there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm in acknowledging this amazing game we’re part of. We need to talk about it, appreciate it, celebrate its positives, not just critique it. Critique is important, but so is celebration. Unfortunately, it appears that no one is stepping up to champion the game in a constructive and positive light.
Sports
Is it possible that, like Gordie Howe, LeBron James could become one of the few fathers to play professionally with two of his sons on the same team? So far, he has played alongside Bronny, while Bryce might still be a couple of years away from joining the NBA.
Over the past few weeks, the NBA has been receiving favorable reviews. As per Nielsen’s reports, the five-game lineup on Christmas Day attracted an average of 5.25 million viewers, marking an impressive 84% increase compared to the same period last year. The Lakers’ thrilling 115-113 win against the Golden State Warriors that evening drew an average of 7.91 million viewers, with a peak audience of approximately 8.45 million viewers.
After this current NBA season, “Inside the NBA” will relocate to ESPN, but it will still be produced by TNT.
Read More
- PHA PREDICTION. PHA cryptocurrency
- YFI PREDICTION. YFI cryptocurrency
- CHR PREDICTION. CHR cryptocurrency
- COW PREDICTION. COW cryptocurrency
- MAGIC PREDICTION. MAGIC cryptocurrency
- FIS PREDICTION. FIS cryptocurrency
- DYDX PREDICTION. DYDX cryptocurrency
- BNB PREDICTION. BNB cryptocurrency
- MBL PREDICTION. MBL cryptocurrency
- ZRO PREDICTION. ZRO cryptocurrency
2025-01-04 00:32