Paul George makes feelings known on NBA ratings taking a hit: "Don't think there's that big of rivalries anymore"

The NBA's viewership and ratings have reportedly been in decline this season and nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George has now weighed in on the topic. A clip was posted by the "Podcast P" account on X wherein George talked about various reasons why this issue is happening.

The clip is from the latest episode of George's podcast, which was released on Monday. In it, he mentions how teams prefer to get their points in today's game. He gave more reasons as to why the ratings and the viewership has dipped, with the evolution of the game being a major factor.

Here is what George said about the issue.

"Analytics kind of took over," George said. "The game being played, coaches want 3-pointers, or they want a layup, or get to the free throw line."

George was then asked if there were other reasons aside from the style of play that had caused these issues.

"A lot of fans are old school fans," George replied. "They're used to how the NBA was. There's been a lot of stars that have been injured. A kid that loves a certain star and they're not gonna play and there's like, 'No point in me going to the game.' Back then it was a lot more, the rivalry stuff. I don't think there's that big of rivalries anymore that's like must-see."

Paul George then said that while there were eras in which players played a more physical brand of basketball, today's players are more skilled. However, he also says that "extra elements" need to be added to the game aside from having skilled players to address the league's declining viewership.

---

Paul George talks about Jared McCain's injury and his surgery

Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain was reportedly dealing with left knee soreness following the team's Dec. 13 matchup against the Indiana Pacers.

McCain then underwent an MRI to check on the injury and it was revealed that he suffered from a lateral meniscus tear. The rookie had to undergo surgery and is now out indefinitely.

McCain's injury became the topic of discussion during Monday's episode of "Podcast P." During the discussion, Paul George talked about his perspective regarding the injury as well as what he told his rookie teammate.

"I saw him in the training room before he had the surgery," Paul George said. "Man, I was just like, this is the real welcome to the NBA, unfortunately. Dealing with your first injury and how do you respond after that. To be honest we've all dealt with some injury whether we've had surgeries or not. How are you gonna respond from this point on?"

Prior to his injury, Jared McCain was looking like one of the rookies who could make an immediate impact from the 2024 draft class. McCain was leading all rookies in scoring with 15.3 points per game on a 46.0% shooting clip.

In 23 appearances, he had already had two 30-point performances. The first one was against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 13. In that game, he put up a double-double that consisted of 34 points and 10 assists. Both are career highs for the rookie.

The second time, he had a 30-piece against the Brooklyn Nets on Nov. 22. He dropped exactly 30.

Paul George has also dealt with a gruesome injury. His happened in 2014 during a Team USA scrimmage. He attempted to defend a James Harden layup but George's leg collided with the stanchion, which resulted in a compound fracture.