How to enhance NBA rankings? Much more fireworks – if latest stars feel prefer it

Donovan Mitchell, faced with the challenge of solving the NBA's oft-discussed rankings problem, smiled as he gave an instantaneous answer.

“Get into more fights,” the Cleveland Cavaliers star said.

He was joking, in fact, and delivered his usual eloquence in his actual answer. But at its core, his joke was about something.

The biggest problem with the NBA is (mainly) not what number of 3-pointers are uttered, except perhaps by those intent on denigration. Nor is it the length of the season or the seeming triviality of the regular season games. Are these concerns? Secure. But only as low-hanging fruit for the unsatiated.

The real problem, because the Christmas Day rankings spike shows, is the dearth of appeal for the league's stars not named Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. It's the following generation of NBA ambassadors who’ve yet to do enough to get noticed.

LeBron and Curry each lead mediocre teams and still dominated the NBA's showcase day.

Undoubtedly, it’s unfair to check the appeal of the following wave of stars to legends who’ve left their mark over three a long time. But it's fair to wonder who will take the baton from them. Or who wants it anyway? We know Anthony Edwards does, however the Minnesota Timberwolves star must win for his charisma to count. We know Jayson Tatum wants it, however the Boston Celtics leader's charisma doesn't quite match his success. It's a tough dance.

But the NBA was built on this, on a superstardom that’s as intangible because it is tangible. The NBA was built on the appeal of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. The former was more forward-looking than the latter, but each managed to push the league into the background.

Michael Jordan made sure he was at all times well-dressed and presentable, honoring the indisputable fact that it was a special moment for people to see him. Kobe Bryant spent his entire life preparing for the mantel. James has been willingly in the general public consciousness since he was 16 years old. Curry is saturating the market with himself. Durant appears to be the anti-superstar, but he values ​​accessibility and transparency and cares in regards to the league and the sport as much, if no more, than anyone else.

What the NBA superstars who lead the league have at all times appeared to understand is that the role is each a responsibility and a bonus. With the very best contracts and the distinction of the elite empire comes the burden of carrying the torch.

And Mitchell made a good point. Her burden didn't end along with her playing days.

“The way we talk about our game is great,” Mitchell said. “The way we talk about our current players I think has a big influence on what people think. There are people who ask, 'Who is this guy?' How does he get paid for this?' In my opinion, it's not the best look overall. … Lots of retired people who have shown love and will continue to do so. But I think that's a big thing…in some ways the way you talk about the product. This is something we can really get better at as a whole, as a brotherhood.”

Still, it looks like the following generation of superstars don't care as much about continuing the tradition of taking up the league and winning the love of the audience.

To be fair, a few of these players just aren't naturally drawn to the highlight. And they simply be their authentic selves and retreat into the confines of darkness and peace.

To be fair to them, a few of them will not be from this nation. They may not crave an affinity from the American people. Nikola Jokić, the most effective player within the league, doesn't appear to want that in any respect. Certainly, those that want it understandably don't know tips on how to get it. They have their very own home to retreat to. This is the truth of a world league.

To be fair to them, you’ve gotten to say that they grew up in a special time. Expectations of access have change into paralyzing, as have the implications of such access. Anyone who watched “The Last Dance,” the ESPN documentary in regards to the Chicago Bulls' 1997-98 season, could see how much weight Jordan lost as a superstar. They were just traditional newspaper and broadcast journalists. Since then, the media landscape has multiplied like wet gremlins.

So you’ve gotten to confess that the need not to leap headfirst into this scenario is definitely a rational response. But since players aren't being compensated rationally, it's fair to expect them to participate anyway. Like their ancestors in superstardom.

We need more from the following generation.

You have the dimensions under control. These guys are it Good. The ability is unmatched.

“For us,” Mitchell explained in regards to the role of the following wave of stars, “it's about continuing to play basketball at a high level.” There will at all times be a discourse. There will at all times be something to debate. Just keep playing basketball at a high level. … I feel the most important thing for us is to maintain moving the sport forward.”

Yes. But it takes greater than just great basketball. It takes greater than those unattractive, manicured personas put together by an promoting company from a spotlight group. Fear of going viral requires greater than protected comments. It takes greater than just the need to play basketball and go home.

Mitchell knows this. He is an undeniable fan of the sport. At 28, he can be considered one of the torchbearers of the longer term. The indisputable fact that his Cavaliers are at the highest of the Eastern Conference makes him considered one of the principal ambassadors. When the smoke arrives within the playoffs, whether from Boston or Milwaukee, Mitchell will inhale.

On Wednesday evening there have been arguments between him and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Oklahoma City vs. Cleveland is a possible NBA Finals preview. Mitchell and SGA are two of probably the most explosive guards, and Jalen Williams and Evan Mobley are two incredible young players. It needs to be a top-notch matchup.

All it takes is fireworks.

This is the NBA's secret recipe. Rivalries. Which are sparked by personalities and fueled storylines. The collision of the celebs. Players who encourage hatred and love.

The NBA is in charge. The owners' intent to suppress dynasties also deprives the league of the special element that dynasties bring. Now it’s missing and it’s unclear where it’ll come from.

It increases the necessity for players to carry the banner high. This requires characters to be vulnerable and reveal greater than just their very own game. A willingness to play a job within the melodrama of all of it.

“More fights,” as Mitchell joked, will be translated as a greater willingness for variety. More of a willingness to return into conflict with each other. Rather, a willingness to challenge one another competitively and theatrically. More of a willingness to at the least be transparent and embrace any drama that arises.

This is how LeBron and Curry got up to now where they’re the seniors of basketball and are still the principal influencers. They dueled at the very best level for 4 years in a row. They attack one another. In their story there’s trash talk and competition between them. They have provoked each contempt and admiration, which has redoubled their interest. They weren't excited about staying cool.

The NBA is desperate for a brand new rivalry.

For some time, it looked like Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks and Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns could be next. We know that Dončić is able to create variety. But that spark was short-lived, although absolutely charming.

For some time it looked like Ja Morant could be next. And perhaps he still is. But he must get his Memphis Grizzlies back on the large stage.

It looked like Edwards was on his way up. But his Timberwolves increasingly seem like a flash within the pan.

Who will take the torch? It isn’t passed on by osmosis. Someone has to get it out of the hands of its current owners. Someone has to seem on the large stage often enough and be effective enough to encourage passion.

Two of the longer term faces of the league, the NBA hopes, closed out 2024 with a showdown in Oklahoma City. SGA vs. Ant Man.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 19 of his 40 points in a dominant third quarter. He took 15 shots, nine of which were within the paint and 7 of which were within the restricted area. It was a testament to SGA's masterful clout. He was asked about finding his solution to the rim against considered one of the league's best defenses – featuring perimeter hounds like Jaden McDaniels, Donte DiVincenzo and Edwards and led by four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.

SGA, surrounded by his teammates on the court as he’s in every interview, paused before answering. Finally he set free a “Hmmmm” as he slumped his shoulders with a sigh. He checked out the rafters as he searched his brain for a solution. He even rubbed his chin, attempting to massage his mind to search out the suitable words.

The NBA needs him to seize this moment, to make it a moment. In the competition for attention spans, with the NFL encroaching on its space and the narrative demeaning the league, it might be SGA's job to step in and declare its supremacy. Mock Edwards. Make something of it. “More fights.” It clearly wouldn't be organic for him. But it would definitely be useful.

Finally he answered.

“I,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, holding his mouth open for a moment before letting out the words, “I reach everyone to the brim.”

Close enough. Currently.