Part 2/9:
At the center of this critique is the belief that the NBA has become more concerned with its global marketability than with fostering a spirit of competition among athletes. What was once a stage for showcasing talent and hard work has devolved into a platform where the narrative often overshadows authentic athleticism. Pundits point to the league's advertising and marketing strategies, indicating that they now center on themes of overcoming imagined racial barriers, rather than showcasing the players' true skills and achievements.