Stephen A. Smith recently unveiled his list of ‘Most Influential NBA Players.’ The ESPN veteran’s picks sparked a heated online debate for the names that were missed. But it’s also the name that made it to the second spot that has social media users in deliberation. The majority agree that Magic Johnson’s impact on the NBA can’t be dismissed.

Smith’s list isn’t going by statistics, championships and contracts. He’s discussing how certain NBA stars set themselves apart by going beyond the NBA and therefore inspiring generations of athletes. Magic Johnson, who played a role in modernizing the NBA, definitely fits the bill.

Stephen A. Smith on Magic Johnson’s impact on the NBA

After covering influential NFL players, Stephen A. Smith and Marcus Spears listed the Top 5 Most Influential NBA Players in history. The list includes Bill Russell, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Apart from debating who did and didn’t make the list, fans believe Smith barely scratched the surface on Magic’s contributions to the NBA.

Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson entered the NBA in 1979 and kickstarted the Lakers dynasty. As Smith put it, he “saved the game of basketball.” Towering at 6’9″, he defied the physics that told us how a giant like that could move on the court. The extraordinary playmaker would lead the Lakers to five NBA championships and win MVP thrice.

The 12-time All-Star retired from professional basketball in 1991 after revealing his HIV-positive diagnosis. He outlived every expectation and has done more to remove the stigma from this disease than anyone.

He had plenty of playing years ahead of him even after leaving the NBA. He’d remain in the US basketball team that won golds at the 1992 Olympics and the 1992 FIBA championship. The Olympian could also remarkably keep his teammates like Michael Jordan on their toes after retiring.

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But that’s not all that Smith says makes Johnson iconic. Johnson also had a major impact on how NBA games came to be televised.

Smith elevates Magic’s impact on the NBA

As a player, Magic Johnson is widely regarded as the best point guard the league has ever seen. Steph Curry challenged that claim recently and the contentious ESPN host agreed with Curry. But in this list, he emphasizes on Johnson’s role in making NBA games more reachable.

He gets nostalgic about the era when NBA games played on a “tape delay.” Essentially, NBA games in the ’80s weren’t considered live broadcast material. They often aired later in the late-night timeslot. Home games of local teams would occasionally air in those cities. Even most playoffs weren’t nationally televised. Factors like ratings and advertising played a role in it.

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“Johnson made it acceptable to the point where you were willing to invite the NBA into your living room and elevated the sport to primetime television and beyond and took it to the next level,” Smith stated.

When Magic Johnson stepped onto the NBA court, the NBA also entered cable. Other broadcasters were getting their turns. His epic rivalry with Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics was primetime material. This duo would make NBA ratings gold in time for the league to enter the live TV era.

What do you think about this revolution Magic Johnson brought about? Let us know in the comments!