As NBA players begin traveling to Orlando to resume the season, which begins July 30th. There are many questions that fans, talk show hosts and even some players have been asking. Should they play? Is it safe? Will players be ready? Will this championship be the most impressive one or should there be an asterisk? How can the issues in the world be addressed while playing the game? No one has a good answer for any of the questions, but the questions have produced good debates.
With so much uncertainty in the world and important issues to address and fight for change; there are some who welcome the distraction of sports and others who feel the distraction will take away from many are trying to achieve. Again, no one has the right answer. All of the uncertainty and strangeness of a season with no fans in the stands and in a bubble in Orlando has caused many diehard basketball fans to be indifferent about finishing the season.
So, how can the NBA get the fans excited about the season besides online content, replaying memorable games and highlighting players? The NBA can also be inspired by the Verzuz phenomenon and do something similar on Youtube. What would they do, you ask? Two similar players can play some of their greatest highlights and discuss what they were thinking, how they came up with that move and maybe even talk a little trash. It’s always fun watching and listening to players react to other player’s highlights. Imagine Russell Westbrook Vs Derrick Rose (early and later in their career) or Kevin Durant Vs LeBron James or Big 3 (Steph Curry/Klay Thompson/Kevin Durant) Vs Big 3 (LeBron James/Dwyane Wade/Chris Bosh). I think fans would like to hear from the players who don’t normally talk about themselves and see some of their top highlights. Dwyane Wade or Knuckleheads could host the show.
No matter the debate the season will resume at the end of the month and the NBA wants to get the fans excited about basketball. So, it’s worth a try because it can’t hurt.
