I think most of us agree that the NBA countdown show was absolutely awful. Magic really was an obnoxious NBA commentator and a Laker homer. He honestly talked like he watched 2 games a week and just assumed he could get away with everything. And Bill Simmons was vocal about the show being garbage. And apparently he has enough influence to try and improve the show and get rid of Magic. I absolutely think this will create a better show but I dunno if casual fans will be happy Link to Deadspin article
Chances I won't use the halftime break to use the restroom or get some food increased upwards of 10%. I loved Magic's insight. He was very in depth and informative while not being at all boring. - Nobody
Name a 4 man panel for that show that you would want to see: Scott Van Pelt Jalen Rose Bill Simmons and... dare I say it? Spoiler Stephen A Smith
Your telling me Bill Simmons has power decisions over Magic Johnson? No matter that show sucks. Bill Simmons should've never been hired, let alone be in a power position.
Magic Johnson is terrible at TV. Michael Jordan is a terrible team owner. Elgin Baylor was a horrible GM. Just because you are great at playing professional basketball, doesn't mean we should be forced to watch you when you retire.
The best part of the CSN fiasco is that fewer people are forced to watch Clyde on television. At least he's not inflicted on a national audience.
Good. I am sick and tired of ESPN "analysts" not challenging the writers canned discussions that everyone outside of LA and NY is sick of hearing about. Simmons & Jalen can make an analysis of the Kings entertaining.... even if its just mainly for comedic purposes. Magic, while his NBA pedigree should never be challenged, added very little to the show IMO. His responses were so over-diplomatic that he added very little insight. If you can't offer an opinion, at least be funny... Your not running for President or anything Magic. Here is the typical Magic response to a question- Wilbon- "Are the Lakers going to trade their core & rebuild or are will they continue to hold onto Kobe in this later years" Magic- "Kobe is one of the greatest players of all time. I love Dr. Buss. The Lakers are the greatest franchises is sports.... they will get over this hurdle and continue to compete for titles" Simmons- .... smiles and says .. "I'm just happy that they suck cause I'm a Celtics fan. I hope they play sign Kobe again for 40 mil a year and have to keep surrounding him with trash like Nick Young for the next 20 years" Magic- .... looks flabbergasted "uhh....uhh... well Bill.... uhhh"
Good. Magic absolutely terrible. Simmons was the only one who sounded like he actually watched league pass.
However, Doris Burke... who knows her basketball has never shown me that she can be anything more than a ESPN elementary basketball mouthpiece. Hopefully getting her around the table with Bill & Jalen loosens her up a little bit so she can show a little personality & opinion. If they wanted to put a woman on the show with Jalen and Bill, my first thought would be Cheryl Miller. She knows her BBall and isn't afraid to have a little fun as well on camera.