In the inaugural season of Amazon Prime Video broadcasting the NBA, the analysis group of Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, and Udonis Haslem has been a breath of fresh air to many fans around the world. Enlightening the audience with genuine pregame and postgame analysis, along with playful banter and storytelling, has enticed viewers to have more interest outside of the actual game being broadcast.
The opening week of this year’s NBA season showed Amazon Prime Video drew 1.25 million viewers in the Friday games; this was a 13% increase in viewership in comparison to the same time slots last season on ESPN (via Front Office Sports). Griffin, the former six-time All-Star and 2011 Dunk Contest Champion, shared a story with the group in between the Friday games about his final season in the league.
While in Boston, Griffin discussed the moment he knew it was time to retire when struggling to guard Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley.
“I check into the game [with] a couple minutes left in the first quarter,” said Griffin. “[I’m] going up and down [the court], [I] got Evan Mobley. Jumper, come back down, hook, come back down, putback, come back down, somebody gets fouled, and we’re both on the free throw line. I’m like [makes heavy breathing gestures], and I look over and Evan Mobley’s like [makes gesture looking at nails and breathing normally], and I was like ‘what’s wrong with this guy?’ … And I remember having that thought to myself on the free throw line like ‘this kid’s a freak or it’s time for me to hang it up.’”
This playful storytelling has the feel of a podcast, which may be a strong factor for the positive viewership. While sitting on leather chairs and couches, the former players share their positive opinions of the league’s players today, while also reminiscing on their past in the same light.
Griffin was a superstar during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers. He may not have had the postseason success that the Lob City Clippers were expected to achieve, but his impact on the game and the younger generation of fans was truly inspiring before he endured several major injuries, including multiple meniscus tears in his knees.