NBA Commentators to mute… (and some worth listening to)

Friday, May 22, 2009

Written by: Jed

Times have changed. The game has changed. And so have the people calling them; for the most part. Growing up an NBA fan, its presentation, as much as its players have created unforgettable moments. Michael Jordan’s “Spectacular Move” probably would not have been as spectacular without the stylings of one Marv Albert. We wouldn’t have known that it was over at the 2000 Slam Dunk Competition without Kenny Smith. But asides from these now historic moments, I always appreciate a well-called game. From the entertaining banter, to the informative and educational analysis – it only adds to what already is a good game, and at times, helps redeem a not so good one.

I grew up on NBA on NBC. Marv Albert, Doug Collins, Bill Walton, Jim Gray, Bob Costas, Ahmad Rashad, and Steve “Snapper” Jones defined my Sundays. That theme, defined and still defines basketball for many. Basketball fans can probably recall the original Dream Team roster verbatim – the NBA on NBC cast was just as groundbreaking in its own regard. Like the Dream Team, this all star cast of broadcasters didn’t last forever – though they’re still around.

The best of today’s NBA telecasts have roots with this original roster of commentators and personalities. The fact that a majority of them can be found on TNT undoubtedly has something to do with its success; though Charles Barkley is a nice added bonus. But even then, it’s far from perfect. This was obvious especially in the earlier rounds of these playoffs when we had a Matt Devlin and P.J. Carlesimo calling games. The broadcast formula has always been to pair an objective spectator (play by play man) with a knowledgeable source, like a former head coach for colour commentary. But after listening to these games, that formula isn’t so full proof – the commentators it turns out, have to actually be compelling and charismatic themselves. Devlin and Carlesimo combined, lack the chops for a local broadcast, let alone a North American one. Which brings up an old but growing trend – former athletes moving into broadcasting. I don’t recall a time where more (recognizable) former NBA players are part of telecasts. For instance, Chris Webber and Gary Payton are no strangers to NBA TV coverage. But of course the same applies to former head coaches. Jeff Van Gundy, and Avery Johnson are mainstays on both the ESPN table and halftime show.

I guess this athlete or coach turned broadcaster is a natural progression. I mean who better suited to call the game of basketball than people who lived it first-hand? But there’s a reason basketball players, are basketball players – and coaches, well… coaches. Most of them aren’t suited for broadcasting. They’re usually not the most articulate speakers, and if or when they are, they’re not so easy on the ears.

Avery Johnson

He might be a great coach. Maybe even an insightful speaker. But all that insight is lost on me when I hear his voice. I didn’t mind hearing sound bites of his post-game interviews as a head coach. I mean doses of these aren’t so bad. Trying to put up with his halftime analysis is another story. It also doesn’t help that his supporting cast usually isn’t up to task. I didn’t think that Jon Barry deserved a section of his own, so I’m lumping him here. I mean, Jon Barry, really? I’m sure ESPN tried getting the better Barry, until realizing he still has a job at the NBA. It doesn’t stop here though. Stuart Scott. I’m sure he’s a great guy, but this guy says it all. If Avery Johnson was surrounded by a stronger cast, the likes of Ernie, Kenny, and Charles – his shortcomings would be better camouflaged, or poked fun at.

Jalen Rose

If Kevin Garnett is the definition of emotion and passion; Jalen Rose is its antithesis. For some reason the tone and pitch of his voice, like the expression on his face, just doesn’t change. Add the fact that Jalen isn’t the most insightful or articulate speaker out there, and it all makes for bad TV. I mean look at these forums that discuss the nonsense that leaves his mouth. He’s akin to what a robotic version of Stephen A. Smith would be.  I’m not the biggest fan of Stephen A. but I can admit that the guy doesn’t put me to sleep. They both may be guilty of being full of nonsense, except for the fact that Stephen A. does it with some eerie and quite annoying conviction. Rose meanwhile, always looks like he’s reading off a prompter. The most nonsensical thing out of Jalen Rose, Bosh and LeBron to the Knicks in 2010. He said this late into 2008. It’s one thing to break an impending trade, but another to predict one that will happen in a couple of years. Let me put on my Jalen Rose hat on, “Jalen Rose, unemployed in 2010”.

Mark Jackson

ESPN, you’re better than that. Talk about weak casting. I understand that he’s done the local New Jersey telecasts with Marv Albert, but even Marvellous couldn’t save him. Much like Jalen Rose, a lot of what Jackson says leaves me shaking my head. Not to mention the fact that they both share a monotonous tone of speech. He started really getting on my nerves during last year’s playoffs, which intensified during the second game of the Boston/LA series. In response to people disputing the legitimacy of Paul Pierce’s injury where he practically died on court, only to return minutes later – Mark Jackson said, “Basketball players aren’t that smart.” And as I wrote in that blog entry a year ago, he would know. To this day, a lot of what he says seems either obvious (even for the casual viewer) or completely nonsensical. It’s like he speaks to fill dead air, not knowing that dead air > his insights (or lack of). This video says everything I need to.

Chris Webber and Gary Payton

Yes, they’re a packaged deal. I’ve seen them quite consistently on the NBA TV halftime show with Ahmad Rashad – and even Ahmad is unable to lift these guys up to respectability. They are clearly trying to imitate the success of TNT’s halftime and Inside the NBA segments, but Chris Webber and Gary Payton are far from Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley. But it doesn’t stop them from trying. The factor that separates the two groups; credibility. Ernie, Charles and Kenny have found a unique way of presenting information, nay I say, educating viewers about facets of the game, in an entertaining fashion – edutainment? That’s not to say that they’re free from moments of tomfoolery, it’s just that they offer more than that. It isn’t just the circus showing up at halftime.

But not all is bad in the world of athletes/coaches turned broadcasters…

Reggie Miller

I’m sure Marv Albert felt a sigh of relief when Mark Jackson officially left the YES broadcast team. I’m not so sure how he felt learning that he would be paired with Reggie Miller on the majority of TNT telecasts. I for one, love the pairing. Regardless of the many forum threads that state otherwise, Reggie Miller has broadcasting chops. I don’t expect him to break a play down like a Doug Collins or Hubie Brown, I expect him to be Reggie. Like a Bill Walton, Reggie Miller can make the most logic-defying statement and pull it off – an ability and privilege the previously discussed group lack. It all lays in the fact that Reggie doesn’t take himself seriously. He doesn’t speak like a robot. He’s clearly having fun with his job, and why be mad at that? Some may question his tandem with Marv Albert. And on paper, I agree. But Marv Albert isn’t your ordinary play-by-play man. He could call a game by himself, and few would complain. And Reggie Miller isn’t your ordinary colour commentator either. He probably wont drop the in-depth knowledge that colour commentators are known for, but he brings an incredible amount of excitement and passion to even the dullest of situations.

Exhibit A:

If that’s not adding colour to a play, I don’t what else could. Whether or not Reggie is responsible for the nickname, I don’t see anyone else referring to Marv Albert as Marvellous (to his face) and getting away with it. This fact alone, legitimizes Reggie Miller not only as a commentator, but a humanitarian of all things good – but I exaggerate (maybe).

Jeff Van Gundy

He’s really the only reason I put up with Mark Jackson’s statements. What makes Jeff Van Gundy great is that he’s the every-man with a coach’s mind. He says what he thinks, and he rarely holds back. He has what the professionals call range. He can be on a rant about the price of haircuts one minute, and breaking down players on the court the next. Who could have expected anyone referring to Jeff Van Gundy as a Funny Man. But more than everything else, he’s the antidote to Mark Jackson’s existence.

Like the best colour commentators out there (Doug Collins) I wish that he were still coaching, specifically, my Toronto Raptors. But with Triano on task for another 3 seasons, I guess I shouldn’t be holding my breath.

Special Mention: Chuck Swirsky

Sure he’s not an ex-player or coach, but that doesn’t hinder his awesome ability to call a game. If Reggie Miller brings excess excitement to the dullest of situations, Chuck Swirsky did this and more, solely for the Toronto Raptors. It wasn’t coincidence that his leaving the Raps led to their dismal season, while his return to the Chicago resulted in an exciting playoffs by the Bulls. I don’t know of any commentator with a more solid repertoire of catchphrases, and player monikers. In his years working the broadcast table for the Raptors, I’ve witnessed the coining of nicknames for players that arguably didn’t warrant one. How and why, Joey Graham got a nickname is mind-blowing – but that’s exactly what Chuck Swirsky is, just mind-blowing.

At the end of the day, the NBA broadcasting picture is far from its NBC glory days. Seeing Bob Costas during the past US Basketball Olympic coverage, and hearing the classic NBA on NBC theme once again was a nice trip down memory lane.

NBA on NBC, where amazing happened.