There’s no doubt that LeBron James and Stephen Curry still command heavy attention from fans. Although they are going into retirement years, their global popularity, along with the storied franchises they are a part of, the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, also help a lot. As such, from a business viewpoint, the latest NBA schedule makes sense. However, the fact that the future of the NBA is in the hands of the rising stars. And for them to have the kind of reach (or close to), nationally televised games help.

But it seems like the NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver’s obsession with superstars might actually prove to be a hindrance in that. The Purple & Gold has the most nationally televised games at 39, with the Warriors following as a close second at 36. Fox Sports Radio‘s Martin Weiss and Veejay Huskey seem to think along the lines of the Silver and superstars as the reason but with an interesting example.

Particularly, to do with the Dubs. “This is not a championship team anymore. It’s not a championship franchise anymore,” Huskey repeated, perhaps to show just how sure he is of his belief. And here’s the reason. “They’ve blown that by giving Draymond that money and shipping off Jordan Poole. That was the nail in the coffin to any chance that they have ever to win another NBA championship.”

He is, of course, referring to the 2022 fist-to-the-face altercation between Poole and Green. About four days after the incident, Dray publicly apologized for his behavior and said that he was spending a few days away from the team. Naturally, he was fined. Although GSW signed Poole to a 4-year contract extension worth $123 million, the kind of team chemistry they had prior to the altercation wasn’t there. And almost a year later, the Warriors traded him to the Wizards for Chris Paul, hoping the veteran point guard might be able to save the season.

A few days later, Green also signed a four-year $100 million deal with a player option in 2026-27. Kerr, at the time, had said that the Golden State Warriors were not a championship team because of a lack of trust. It seems like Huskey still believes they have no chance at another ring, especially with someone like Draymond on the team. Yet, Silver’s decision to broadcast 36 games of a team that’s slowly but steadily going downhill is simply because of his unhealthy obsession with superstars. Take a look below.

Adam Silver catches flak for prioritizing top names instead of top teams

After the release of the NBA schedule, there were many indignant voices. Particularly from those of the league champions, Boston Celtics. Despite having the best regular season record in the NBA and leading the NBA lore with the most rings (18), ending a 16-year drought, the Cs ranked below Los Angeles and Golden State Warriors in the showcase franchise.

Another instance is that of the discussion surrounding the next face of the league. With LeBron getting closer to retirement and Victor Wembanyama hailed as the next “generational talent,” the attention naturally swung to him. Not that Wemby needed help with the spotlight. But despite the underwhelming run the Spurs had last season, the Silver & Black are scheduled for 21 games nationally televised games.

That’s a major promotion, considering in 2022, the team played in just 4 of the same. Per Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor in the Mismatch podcast with Chris Vernon, believes “they’re [Spurs] the team that they’re really forcing early” because of Wemby. The addition of veteran big names like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes under the guidance of the legendary Pop only serves to further San Antonio’s market.

What do you make of the new NBA schedule? Do you believe that Adam Silver is indeed obsessed with superstars? Let us know in the comments.

 Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.