Saturday night’s NYC club scene provided a perfect snapshot of how the mainstream media picks and chooses which stars to hype and which to neglect. The Brooklyn Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. gets the big reveal while the camera crews and anchors seem to forget that there are other players, particularly Jalen Brunson, who should be in the spotlight. Yet here’s the kicker: corporate media spins the narrative to elevate the flashy names while downplaying the invaluable contributions of players like Brunson, who quietly but fiercely led his team.

ESPN and Bleacher Report would rather fawn over the theatrics of big-name athletes, perpetuating a culture that glorifies superficial stardom over raw talent and leadership. It’s as if their producers sat down with a checklist: “Do we have a star on the floor? Check! Do we have drama? Check!” Meanwhile, they completely gloss over the hard work and character behind players like Brunson. The glaring inconsistency tells you everything you need to know about their priorities.

This whole scene convinces fans that only certain players matter. The establishment doesn’t seem to want the world to recognize that not all heroes wear capes—or glittering jerseys. In a media landscape obsessed with narratives rather than nuanced reporting, the true MVPs are often left out of the highlight reels. Why? Because the focus is on spectacle, not substance. Keep your eyes peeled; the agenda is clearer than ever.