More and less, depending. It’s a lot easier to “see the floor,” so to speak. Too many casual fans only see the result, not the process. A few years ago, I had seats at a game against the Wizards. Thomas Bryant had a randomly good game and hit 3 contested 20 foot jumpers in a row. The guy in front of me is hollering for better defense, while I’m thinking “Thomas Bryant is jacking up 20 footers, that’s a pretty good defensive outcome.”

Jock taxes

Many players claim permanent residence in no-income-tax jurisdictions like Florida and Texas already. It doesn’t affect the tax paid on playing salaries, but endorsement income, outside investments that are considered ordinary income etc wouldn’t be taxed.

If taxes was the main focus for players, the LA teams and the Warriors would struggle to recruit free agents since California’s state income tax is 12.3% at the top end. Shockingly, players take other factors into consideration, too.

Harris wins FMVP despite Harden being unquestionably the best player on the team after Embiid tears his Achilles in Game 1. Harris gets a max contract, Harden also re-signs for a max deal but steeply declines, Embiid is never the same player again after missing a season to rehab.