Scoring, soaring and passing drive interest in basketball — not sitting, sulking and pampering. The NBA has a problem because of the way it is packaged and covered. Nikola Jokic is off to the greatest statistical start in league history — 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, 11.7 assists in 38 minutes per game — and ratings stink. They cratered during the opening night doubleheader and remain in decline with ESPN viewership down 27% and TNT 16%, per Puck News. There is a confluence of contributing factors.