“Americans like Americans…” Foreign stars like Nikola Jokic, Giannis, and more blamed for NBA ratings downfall by Jason Whitlock
Jason Whitlock called out international stars like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo for the NBA's declining ratings.
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Jason Whitlock goes on rant about foreign players hurting the NBA's ratings
Jason Whitlock is as polarizing a figure as any in sports commentary and the media industry. Recently, he voiced his thoughts on why NBA ratings are declining, and of course, it’s as hot a take as any. According to him, the league’s growing reliance on international players such as Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo has alienated American audiences.
On his Fearless with Jason Whitlock show, Whitlock spoke about the cultural impact that American stars have had on the game compared to international stars. His comments came during a segment addressing the lack of connection between American viewers and the NBA’s current international stars. He argued that the NBA’s pursuit of global talent has come at the expense of its domestic appeal.
Quite frankly, hats off to Nicola Jokic, hats off to Giannis Antetokounmpo, but too many foreign players. Again, Americans like Americans. We like American success stories. We’re nationalists by nature. They’ve ruined that. The best players are foreigners.
Jason Whitlock said on the show
Whitlock’s remarks reflect a growing concern that international players, despite their skill and contributions, struggle to evoke the same emotional response as stars like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, or LeBron James did for the American audience.
Quite frankly, Americans like Americans. Hats off to all of the foreigners playing in the NBA, but they don’t connect with American sports fans the same way the old players did. All the best players are foreigners, and that’s why the NBA is suffering in America. pic.twitter.com/f3vLZOxKQH
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) December 18, 2024
He further elaborated that fans find it harder to relate to players like Luka Doncic or Jokic due to cultural differences and their limited ties to NBA history and traditions. Jason Whitlock didn’t stop at international players. He also took aim at the league’s playing style and its most prominent coaches.
He pointed out the monotony of three-point shooting, a sentiment echoed by LeBron James, and criticized Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich for their politically charged remarks, suggesting the ‘politicization’ of the league has diluted the NBA’s entertainment value.
Jason Whitlock has previously called out Nikola Jokic for NBA’s viewership struggles
Jason Whitlock’s disapproval of Nikola Jokic isn’t new. In 2023, following the Denver Nuggets’ championship win, Whitlock went on a lengthy rant downplaying the significance of Jokic’s triumph compared to past NBA legends.
He attributed this to the globalized nature of the league, which he argued has diluted its passion and connection to American audiences.
Nikola Jokic’s NBA Finals MVP and Championship hit different, meaning they do not feel nearly as important as his predecessors’ crowning achievements… We will never relate to Jokic, Luka, and Giannis in the same way. They’re great players, great people, but they’re not as relatable and they don’t care about American traditions and history the way we do.
Jason Whitlock on Nikola Jokic’s NBA title win
Whitlock pointed to Jokic’s subdued celebration as emblematic of the league’s disconnect. Rather than reveling in the glory of an NBA title, Jokic appeared indifferent, remarking, “The job is done now, and we can go home.” Whitlock contrasted this with iconic moments from stars like Michael Jordan, whose tearful embrace of the championship trophy in 1991 is etched in NBA lore.
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Armaan Gupta
(292 Articles Published)