Magic and Wilbon out on NBA Countdown

[wildturkey]

Several stories out there so you can google them yourself. But Wilbon and Magic are out of ESPN's NBA Countdown. Wilbon's role is being scaled back so he can do PTI in person more (ratings dip when he's away). Magic Johnson is leaving ESPN all together to tend to his numerous other ventures. The new lineup hasn't been announced but its believed to be Bill Simmons, Jalen Rose, Doug Collins, and Doris Burke.

I can say this is a good move. Magic is a great guy and I've seen him in other roles where he's funny and engaging but he's downright awful as a TV analyst. His knowledge and personality just don't translate in that role. You can visually see him thinking before he speaks and it just makes things awkward. It almost makes me think that he speaks in slang a lot in real life so he has to catch himself and try something else on camera. Regardless, its bad and he usually offers little more than "This team gonna have to play hard to win the game" or other useless bits of info.

Wilbon wasn't much better imo and that's surprising since he's good on PTI. He stumbled a lot in traditional hosting duties, making awkward reads and transitions to new segments or commercials. It just didn't look natural for him to drive a conversation in a studio manner.

Collins was fantastic as a in game commentator in his previous TV stint so maybe he'll work well in studio. As for Burke, I hope she takes on the role of a more traditional host. One of the things that really bothered me with ESPN's show was just how bad Wilbon and sometimes Rose were at that stuff. It makes you appreciate guys like Ernie Johnson that much more.

 

[bksballer89]

I agree on Magic. Doug Collins is a better analyst than Magic so no biggie and I actually think Doris is more of a host than Wilbon...That show was lacking a true host

 

[BOTSLAYER]

Man we bored breaking down a show line up...it also seems that you two just put more thought into 98% of the offseason posts

And i may let my admiration for magic and wilbon cloud my judgement but pti needs wilbon and that other guy. Of.course ratings suffer when half the show is missing all of the time.

Magic makes too much money to do that show

 

[Clayton]

As long as Shaq isnt involved then Im fine

 

[Lakers+USC=#1]

Dammit, I thought Doug Collins was going back to TNT. I love Doug doing games. It reminds me of the old NBA on NBC.

 

[Hornsstampede2.0]

Bill Simmons, Jalen Rose, Doug Collins, and Doris Burke

My God.

The TNT is laughing hysterically.

There is zero charismatic appeal to that crew.

And outside of Collins not much in the way of great insight...

 

[raptorlife4]

Wilbon is horrible

 

[piss-tons]

Still not even close to TNT

 

[raptorlife4]

who gives a fuck who the halftime show guys are anyways,
I turn the channel to watch either another game or something else

 

[Heatles84]

TNT wins. They still have Simmons holding them back.

 

[Lakers+USC=#1]

Espn will never be like tnt. The guys on tnt speak from the heart and dont worry about being political correct.

 

[Sportsguy9695]

I really liked Wilbon. I guess ill have to stick to PTI for my Wilbon fix

 

[Jims_Doors]

So Magic's good friend Wilbon is gone and then a few days later Magic says "he's to busy" and needs to step down? Not buying it.

From what I've read, it sounds like ESPN is going to make Simmons the focal point of NBA countdown on Wednesday's and I don't think he and Johnson really like each other.

This is great news for NBA fans. Johnson is horrible behind the mic and brings nothing but the blatant obvious and homerism to the show.

I don't care for Doris Burke, but if this means she won't be color commentating in future games, then I'm all for it.

My ears and many others thank you Mr. Johnson.

 

[Black Adam]

Wilbon is horrible

 

[Triplexxx23]

I rather see magic talk then bill Simmons... Bill comes off like a soft little pussy that really doesn't know shit besides his boston celtics that he brags about.

 

[TexasMan]

Magic is just a Lakers homer who can't form a complete coherent sentence. I'm loving that Wilbon is focussing more on PTI now.

 

[Clayton]

Espn will never be like tnt. The guys on tnt speak from the heart and dont worry about being political correct.

The guys on TNT all have brain damage. Barkley carries a bunch of terrible 'analysts'

 

[Kold]

The guys on TNT all have brain damage. Barkley carries a bunch of terrible 'analysts'

All about what you're looking for when you watch TNT. If you look for analysts, then it'll suck....but if you go for comedy, it's the best thing since sliced bread

 

[Skinny jeans aint cool]

ESPN sucks when it comes to the NBA. This lineup just got worse if that was possible. But I'm willing to bet Magic will be on TNT by the All star break.

 

[Flauge]

My God.

The TNT is laughing hysterically.

There is zero charismatic appeal to that crew.

And outside of Collins not much in the way of great insight...