OAKLAND, Calif. — Draymond Green recently shared his thoughts on the current state of basketball in a conversation held Saturday morning. He touched upon the evolving nature of officiating and how star players today seem to lack the advantages they once enjoyed. When posed with the straightforward question of whether he feels the NBA game is tedious, Green responded candidly, “Absolutely.”
This sentiment reflects a broader concern within the league regarding its modern style. Critics suggest that the emphasis on high-scoring games, increased reliance on three-point shots, and diminished physicality, compared to previous eras, might detract from the overall appeal of the sport. Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard also weighed in on the trend, remarking on how the focus on analytics has led to a preference for three-point shots and layups, diminishing the significance of mid-range jumpers. He noted that this shift can detract from the game’s diversity and originality.
Lillard elaborated on the competitive environment, pointing out that the league often resembles a “copycat” scenario, where teams adapt to what is perceived as the winning formula, leaving little room for varied styles of play. Despite these criticisms, the NBA is set to enter a significant new phase with broadcast and streaming deals estimated at over $76 billion, marking a substantial increase from previous contracts. While television ratings may have diminished compared to several years ago, the league continues to establish record attendance figures and sees a steady demand for merchandise.
Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted these statistics as evidence of the league’s strong health, asserting that the state of the game is “excellent.” He acknowledged the critiques but emphasized that improvements are always possible as the league continues to evaluate its direction.
However, the ongoing discourse about the on-court product persists. Green aligns with those who believe improvements are necessary, referencing an interview with the late Kobe Bryant, who described current play as “accidental basketball.” Bryant’s observation about the prevalent style of play—predominantly focused on penetration and quick passing—struck a chord with Green, who affirmed, “He couldn’t have been more right.”
Highlighting a recent match against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, Green expressed how satisfying it was to engage with a player renowned for his intelligence on the court. In contrast to the current fast-paced gameplay, he craved a more strategic approach, where “every possession is some type of chess move.” Green lamented that such nuanced play is often missing today, leading to a game focused on speed and scoring rather than depth or strategy. For seasoned veterans like him and Stephen Curry, this type of free-for-all isn’t their ideal approach.
Green articulated the desire to be part of a team that avoids falling into the trap of haphazard play, asserting that “that’s the challenge” they face as they navigate the modern landscape of the NBA.
