Many fans’ perception of the modern NBA starts with the barbershop talk style of TNT’s beloved Inside the NBA with Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny “The Jet” Smith. It remains the best pre/post-game show in sports.
However, those are three players from another generation who — like virtually every older player — think the game reached its zenith when they played. There’s a “get off my lawn” vibe with that trio, who can often look down their nose at how the game has evolved since they were on the court.
That negativity is part of the problem — and not just that trio, but with game broadcasts and the media in general — and it ties into the league’s rating problems this season, Lakers coach J.J. Redick said before his team beat the Kings on Thursday night. When asked about the ratings issue and the rise in 3-point shots, …