Last week, Shaquille O'Neal made a bold statement during the NBA Cup quarterfinals, saying, "They watch us. " Charles Barkley and the crew at ESPN have often explained why fans love Inside the NBA, and fans themselves have made it clear to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver that they won't watch the NBA without the show. However, when NBA Cup viewership dropped, a Fox Sports analyst, Jason McIntyre, blamed the TNT crew for the dip. He claimed on The Colin Cowherd Show that Inside the NBA has done more harm than good to the NBA over the past decade by being too critical of players and the game's style.

McIntyre doubled down on his statement on social media, sparking a debate among fans. Some agreed with him, saying the show's criticism is unrealistic and discourages viewers from watching the games. Others defended the show, arguing that its criticism reflects the current reality of the NBA and that fans appreciate its honesty and entertainment value.

Inside the NBA has been a popular show since 1989, drawing an average of 1. 5 million viewers during NBA Cup games on TNT, compared to ESPN's 1. 16 million. The show's success can be attributed to its unscripted moments and appeal to a diverse audience. However, some argue that the show's criticism doesn't push the game forward and that it's unique to the NBA.

The debate surrounding Inside the NBA raises questions about the show's impact on the NBA's viewership. While it's difficult to pinpoint a single cause for the decline in viewership, some blame the show's criticism, while others point to factors like load management and the level of play. Regardless, Inside the NBA continues to draw its own viewership independently of the games.

NBA Fans Divided Over Inside the NBA's Critical Approach

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