In NBA basketball, there is a large focus on the "big plays" so to speak. By this, I mean the flashy dunks, or the long three-point shots, or the impossible shots made in traffic. Viewers of the NBA live for moments like these, and arguably watch games to see these moments. While some of the rules of the game are objectively different, there is also a huge difference in just the team mentalities from EuroLeague to the NBA. EuroLeague is much more focused on the team play aspect, where the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts. This means more ball screens and much more fundamental play, rather than flashy, from the European teams. On the other hand, the NBA focuses heavily on the individual superstars and plays a much more 1-on-1 type of play, or isolation. This allows for these bigger and flashier plays by the superstars. In the NBA there is also a longer 3-point line, which allows for longer and more impressive shots, and longer quarters of play, which in turn allows for higher scoring games. In the NBA, there is also leniency on travels in order to keep play moving, which is not the case in EuroLeague. One could argue that all of these differences should be factored into why the NBA gets so many more viewers than the EuroLeague does, but is this the case?Here is another blog that speaks about the differences between the two leagues if you're interested.
https://evanharris22.wordpress.com/2010/04/20/the-truth-about-the-nba-vs-european-basketball/
https://www.talkbasket.net/30967-how-does-euroleague-compare-with-the-nba
This blog was really interesting to me because I did not know the differences in the way of play between the NBA and the EuroLeague. Which form of play do you prefer? I think I personally appreciate the EuroLeague mentality of play because of the team work aspect associated with it, but I do enjoy watching all of the cool plays that are performed in the NBA. Do you think the EuroLeague will ever move away from the team play focus and towards the individual player focus because the NBA has been very successful with that focus?
ResponderEliminar-Chloe Malkinson
I personally prefer the NBA style of play. Part of it has to do with the fact that I grew up around it, but also just because it is more entertaining. I agree that the team aspect is certainly refreshing though. However, the EuroLeague will never move away to a more NBA style of play because they simply do not have the talent to do so.
EliminarI wouldn't say that differences in play accounts for the massive viewership differences. I think talent level and the fact that the NBA is well established league with a global audience is why the NBA has way more viewers. I do think it would be interesting to see a more European style of play in the NBA though. Its makes you think if their system ran by way better players could compete in the NBA against the more isolation game. Some could argue that traditionally the San Antonio Spurs have played this style and for them it won them multiple championships. A more ball movement team first style is something that the Coach Greg Popovich preaches and it has kept them among the league best for years.
ResponderEliminarJeffrey Poe
I certainly see where you're coming from. The rich history of the NBA certainly plays into affect in the amounts of viewers that it has. I totally agree though that looking at the Spurs and their style of play underneath Popovich, and how many championships they have won should certainly not be neglected by other NBA teams.
EliminarThis brings up a very interesting difference in the two leagues. I think that the flashy play is not the reason why the NBA has much more viewers, yet the other way around. Since the players in the NBA understand how many viewers are watching on any given night, it's likely they feel like they need to put on a show or make a name for themselves. There is also much more talent in the NBA, thus why you see far much more isolation and slashing plays. Many teams that do not have big superstars in the NBA play for fundamentally very similar to the European style of play.
ResponderEliminarSam Waugh
I agree. I think that the amount of viewers maybe pushes players to play a certain style where they want to be noticed by the audience. The EuroLeague simply does not have as much talent as the NBA and thus can't perform at these high levels.
EliminarThere are some intriguing points in this post, but I think it goes a lot further than just the big plays as to why there are more viewers. For one the talent is just better. So naturally, if the product on the court is better then that is going to draw viewers in. I think that those big plays and circus shots are really because the talent is that much better, not necessarily due to the style of play. Additionally, something the NBA does better than any other league in all of sports is marketing and branding their players. It is turning into a "celebrity first, player second" kind of league, so people like to follow specific players throughout the season, which to my knowledge is not something the EuroLeague has been doing successfully.
ResponderEliminarVery interesting point. I hadn't thought about the celebrity first, player second mentality. It is interesting to look at the difference there. In the NBA you get the inside access of a lot of players lives such as their every day routines, or where they live. Rather, in the EuroLeague you just don't see this because of the lack of fame that players receive.
EliminarGreat post, I found myself agreeing with many of the points that you made. I think a few of the rule differences help account for the viewership differences between the NBA and EuroLeague, but the main reasons don't stem from these rules. In the NBA, since there is a lot bigger "me" or individualistic culture, players can use that to their advantage. They can go out and create a brand around their name. Whereas in the EuroLeague, it is much more team oriented and the players don't have as a big of a brand. Since these players in the NBA are able to seem bigger than life, I think that helps to draw in a lot of attention to the game itself.
ResponderEliminarGood point. Players in the NBA a lot of the times use their fame as a platform to speak to a larger audience about them and their brand. We don't see people in the EuroLeague do this so often.
EliminarI think all these reasons factor into the appeal of the NBA. If we look at teams today, people much rather watch the Warriors because they have Curry, Thompson and Durant who can make these types of plays. However, if we compare that to the Spurs, who have created one of the best dynasties in basketball they were considered boring. The Spurs are never flashy, but always fundamentally sound and this can lead to the perception of being boring.
ResponderEliminar-micah sakata
Yes, but while the Spurs have this perception of being boring, they have won many championships. One could argue, is this because of the team oriented style of play that Popovich integrates into their system?
EliminarThis plays a factor into the viewership of the NBA. The NBA focuses on promoting its individual star players like Lebron James, James Harden, Steph Curry, etc. Many fans also like to follow a certain player in the NBA, so that creates a large following. Also, there is more overall talent in the NBA and a lot more history, which are big factors into the popularity of the NBA. On top of that, there is way more money that is poured into the NBA.
ResponderEliminarTotally agree. The rich history, money, and overall talent in the league all contribute to the amount of viewers the NBA receives.
EliminarI found these rules very interesting because I did not know that Euroleague/Europe plays basketball in a much different way than the NBA, especially in terms of team effort. This corresponds with many European cultures who tend to work as a team and support community rather than the individualistic society we have in the U.S. This article makes me wonder whether or not Europeans enjoy the teamwork in Euroleague vs. the flashy plays in the NBA more.
ResponderEliminar- Piper Knudson
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