JJ Redick is poised to join ESPN’s top NBA broadcast team following the All-Star break, bringing with him a deep affection for the game.
However, even he finds it hard to tolerate the delay between the scheduled start time of NBA games and when they actually commence.
The issue was glaringly evident on Sunday night during the NBA All-Star game, which was slated to begin at 8 p.m. ET but didn’t tip off until around 8:45. Reacting live to the game on his YouTube channel, Redick expressed frustration, saying:
“Why can’t we start anything on time in the NBA? I am going to sound like an old person here, but if it says 8 o’clock, I don’t want it to tip off at 8:42. Nothing starts on time in the NBA, and it’s driving me crazy. And I work for a broadcast partner. Can we just start things on time in the NBA? Because it’s out of control.”
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This tardiness is emblematic of NBA culture, setting it apart from almost any other professional league. Fans at MLB games will miss the first pitch unless they’re in their seats by the start time, while the NFL kicks off precisely as indicated on tickets. However, professional basketball, for some reason, struggles with punctuality.
Fans often wait until the scheduled start time to take their seats, knowing that the national anthem and lineup introductions won’t begin until after the expected start.
Starting the All-Star game close to 9 ET on a Sunday night is perplexing regardless of the circumstances. But to inform fans it will begin at 8 and then surpass that time is even more baffling.
“Delayed starts” can now be added to the long list of issues many had with NBA All-Star weekend. If prominent figures like Redick, Stephen A. Smith, and David Aldridge are critiquing the league’s flagship event, what are fans supposed to appreciate?
It appears this All-Star weekend could mark a turning point for the league as it negotiates a new broadcast deal and seeks solutions to address changing viewer habits and fan engagement.
