Part 5/8:
The discussion then shifts to NBA ratings and public perceptions. While audiences have expressed concerns over declining viewership, Stein argues that ratings have never mattered less in the grand scheme of the sport. He draws parallels to past crises in NBA popularity, reminding listeners that the league has consistently faced scrutiny only to rebound spectacularly. While acknowledging the league's current challenges, Stein promotes the idea of evaluating player and team engagement in a more modern context, instead of fixating solely on television numbers.