The hottest Sports Media Substack posts right now

OG Anunoby had a successful debut with help from Julius Randle.
The Knicks faced challenges adjusting to new players and rotations.
The team showed promise in defense but also highlighted the need for more offensive creators.

More people are curious about why interest in the NBA is falling than about the games themselves. It's a sign that fans might feel disconnected from the sport.
There’s a lot of talk about NBA ratings dropping, especially after a big TV deal was made. This seems to have made many media figures more comfortable discussing these issues openly.
Many people are more focused on discussing NBA ratings and the league's problems instead of the actual basketball. This shows a shift in what fans care about.

Bryson DeChambeau has become really popular on YouTube for his entertaining golfing challenges and interactions with fans. This fun approach has helped him connect with a wider audience.
He did a 'hole-in-one challenge' that drew a lot of attention and excitement from golf fans online. People love watching these fun and creative challenges.
DeChambeau's efforts to engage with fans during the offseason show how modern golfers are using social media to stay in the spotlight and maintain their popularity.

Stephen A. Smith is close to signing a groundbreaking contract with ESPN worth over $100 million. This will make him the highest-paid talent in the network's history.
His deal is significant because it reflects his popularity and influence in sports media, especially with the success of his show 'First Take.'
The structure of Smith’s contract may include details that justify the high cost for ESPN, despite concerns about how much viewers value sports talk shows compared to live sports.

Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The NBA All Star Game was heavily criticized and considered uncompetitive, with even the commissioner showing concern.
There is speculation that NBA commissioner Adam Silver's recent focus on the product's quality is driven more by business interests than personal enthusiasm.
The NBA is in a critical phase of securing its financial future, but the current players seem disinterested in putting on an engaging performance.

The quality of sports media can impact the popularity of sports events.
Media contributes positively and negatively to how sports are consumed.
Social technologies like Twitter can distract media from the essence of sports events.

The post shares various interesting links and articles on topics like Christmas, sports media, and meritocracy.
The writer is clearing out browser tabs and sharing thoughts on different articles and blog posts.
There are reflections on music, sports media, meritocracy arguments, and emotional dependence on celebrities in the post.