The ratings issue is complicated because of how they are calculated and the terrible broadcasting deals NBA have. I wouldn't be surprised if the same number of people are watching but many are now doing it through feeds that aren't counted as it's the only way the can watch some games. Get rid of blackouts, they're stupid. If teams struggle to fill arenas then they need to address that with ticket prices etc. They need to sort out the tip off times too. Starting Western Conference games at 10pm on the East Coast removes a huge part of your potential market.
The game also needs to change. The current rules around guarding have made it pretty much impossible to guard 3-point shots unless you're already close to the player and taller, and even then it's extremely hard. Why wouldn't teams jack up 50+ 3 pointers if they know that the guy shooting will draw a foul for any contact, even after the ball has left their hands? It's turning games into shoot-arounds. Bird averaged 1.9 3pt shots a game and is widely recognised as one of the greatest 3 pt shooters of all time. Reggie Miller was 4.7, Ray Allen was 5.7. Now look at the current players and Steph Curry is 8.6, Lillard is 8, Harden is 7.7, and was at 13.2 in 18-19!. Kyrie is 5.6 but has been at almost 7 for the past 4 years. Durant is 4.9 and has been as high as 6.7 in the past. LeBron is 4.4 but has be 5+ the last four years.
The game also needs to change. The current rules around guarding have made it pretty much impossible to guard 3-point shots unless you're already close to the player and taller, and even then it's extremely hard. Why wouldn't teams jack up 50+ 3 pointers if they know that the guy shooting will draw a foul for any contact, even after the ball has left their hands? It's turning games into shoot-arounds. Bird averaged 1.9 3pt shots a game and is widely recognised as one of the greatest 3 pt shooters of all time. Reggie Miller was 4.7, Ray Allen was 5.7. Now look at the current players and Steph Curry is 8.6, Lillard is 8, Harden is 7.7, and was at 13.2 in 18-19!. Kyrie is 5.6 but has been at almost 7 for the past 4 years. Durant is 4.9 and has been as high as 6.7 in the past. LeBron is 4.4 but has be 5+ the last four years.