The NBA has built a reputation for producing exciting basketball games every season. However, in recent times, drama has also been following the hit plays. Over time, the business side of the league has touched the public. Notably, before the season, Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets were embroiled in a shocking saga with the 12-time All-Star nearly traded. Moreover, the out-of-court antics continue to grow. It caused a popular NBA personality to lose heart for the league.
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Leigh Ellis is one of the NBA’s premier podcasters. The 46-year-old has been part of the NBA family for 11 seasons. Additionally, Ellis recorded over 2,500 shows during this period. However, the drama and evolution in the way of the sport is catching up with him. According to him, the athletes he once admired were no longer the same. The NBA’s focus was away from basketball. It was more about what players wanted and demanded from their franchises.
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Similarly, the transition was not appreciated in the eyes of Ellis. The longtime NBA personality has given up on his dream job. To justify his decision, he put forward the examples of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Anthony Davis.
Kevin Durant, Harden and more are the reason Ellis is walking away
During a chat with The Washington Post, Ellis shed some light on his decision to stop covering the NBA. His love for basketball still consumes him. Notably, Ellis is an avid pickup player, traveling all over the world. However, the Aussie has suffered from a disconnect with the job he once loved. His reasons were simple. Ellis felt the NBA regular season was too long, some superstars had their touch with the devoted fanbase.
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He said: “Anthony Davis can only play two weeks at a time. James Harden wanted respect for giving back $7 million in free agency. Kevin Durant said fire everybody in Brooklyn. Those kind of guys don’t inspire me anymore .
And NBA fans seemed to feel a similar emotion.
I mean, is he wrong? The league is more of a soap opera than anything these days, in fact the game on the pitch isn’t as much of a priority as the drama https://t.co/pQwYHlZzZG
– 👁🗨 (@NNiveK_) November 25, 2022
W Leigh the NBA became the National Drama Association
—Giannis Lamar (@GiannisLamar_) November 25, 2022
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The league has undoubtedly changed a lot since the Michael Jordan era. Before, a superstar playing all 82 games was a regular occurrence. However, with the emergence of load management, the fan experience is no longer the same. In addition, the commercial aspect is often put forward. Kevin Durant’s drama in the offseason was proof that the NBA is much more focused on events off the court. Additionally, guaranteed contracts allowed players to have much of the control rather than the organization. Notably, Harden worked his way out of the Houston Rockets by missing games.
However, basketball stocks remain at a higher level. Superstars compete at the highest level almost every night. The passion for the game is undoubtedly still alive. Anthony Davis could sustain injuries along the way. James Harden could have his drama. And Kevin Durant could struggle with his franchise. But their willingness to compete and impose themselves makes it a spectacle. One thing fans should not ignore is that over time basketball has also reached new heights. And that’s a credit to today’s megastars.
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Do you think the NBA has lost its enthusiasm? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
