The Current State of the NBA, WNBA, and College Hoops | Sue Bird and Cam Johnson

This week on the Young Man and the Three we welcome Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson and the legendary Sue Bird to have an in-depth discussion about the current states of the NBA, WNBA, and college basketball. First, Tommy Alter and Jason Gallagher intro the episode with some takes and updates. Sue and Cam then discuss how star players in the NBA and generated differently than stars in the WNBA (Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese), how options like Overtime Elite and G League Ignite have affected the men’s game, and the differences between men’s and women’s college basketball. Then, they break down everything surrounding NBA and WNBA television ratings and if they even matter at all. Cam and Sue also both get very candid about what it’s like playing for rebuilding teams, being in trade talks, and Dennis Schroder’s trade to the Golden State Warriors. They also discuss the new NBA all-star game format. Lastly, they have an honest convo about the three-point shooting boom, if teams are truly taking too many threes, if teams are copying the Boston Celtics or if it’s actually the best way to win games, and how current NBA play compares to past NBA generations and Olympic play. This is truly one of our best episodes. Let’s go.


0:00 Intro
6:13 Sue and Cam
6:20 College basketball and generating stars in the NBA and WNBA
28:20 NBA and WNBA tv ratings: factors and fixes
43:00 What it’s like playing for a rebuilding team & trade talks
58:17 Lessons from CP3, playing and against elite talents
01:07:47 The new NBA all-star game
01:12:15 Commissioner for a day
1:16:32 Three point shooting boom

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Previously The Old Man and the Three w/ JJ Redick (ESPN / First Take) and Tommy Alter