For his part, Riley appreciates that selling their personalities allows players to sell themselves. And, yes, he accepts it will remain a part of the league going forward.

"Player empowerment and player entitlement today is at an all-time high," he said. "And that's just the way it is. And I think it's driven somewhat by the league, and the marketing of the league and the marketing of player images and everything. And I don't think it's bad. I think it's great for the sport. The sport is better than it's ever been."