1. When it was becoming clear that legendary NBA play-by-play man Marv Albert would end his run as TNT’s lead voice, I wrote a couple of columns saying that Kevin Harlan was the only choice to replace Marv.
Turner Sports came through and elevated Harlan as its lead play-by-play person last season, and Harlan called the Western Conference Finals for the network. While Turner has other excellent play-by-play folks, such as Ian Eagle, on its roster, it was Harlan’s time.
All anyone has to do to see why Harlan deserves his lofty position is watch the fourth quarter of Thursday’s Sixers-Nets playoff game, where Harlan shined and added even more excitement to a tight game that saw the Sixers pull off a wild 102–97 comeback win.
The highlight of Harlan’s performance came during this frantic back-and-forth between the two teams.
Kevin Harlan is getting into it 🏀🎙️😂 pic.twitter.com/fbzUDa40V3
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 21, 2023
When Philly’s Tyrese Maxey gave the Sixes a lead with 45 seconds left in the game, Harlan had a vintage call: “A three for the lead. BULL’S-EYE! Another one. MAXEY’S BEEN A FLAMETHROWER IN THE FOURTH QUARTER!”
MAXEY GIVES THE SIXERS THE LEAD 😯 pic.twitter.com/NemJ83pDP1
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 21, 2023
When Joel Embiid sealed the Sixers’ win with a block with 10 second remaining in the game, Harlan went full throat with his famous pipes. “REJECTED BY EMBIID. REJECTED BY EMBIID!”
Embiid with the HUGE block 😳 pic.twitter.com/ZtiLraNJMW
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 21, 2023
Broadcasters may not make fans tune into a game, but they can sure elevate a fan’s enjoyment of a game, as proved Thursday by Harlan.
2. I don't know why I find this so funny, but Devin Booker playing defense with a shoe in his hand Thursday night cracked me up.
man he tried 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/8bx2VFwnlT
— patrick (@muldowney) April 21, 2023
3. It certainly appears that Pat McAfee and ESPN are headed toward some sort of partnership. Andrew Marchand of the New York Post recently reported that McAfee is expected to end his current deal with FanDuel, and on Thursday, McAfee tweeted this photo with Disney CEO Bob Iger.
A weatherman and a truck driver’s kid chatted about life today.#UpToSomethingSZN pic.twitter.com/NPUCkln5N7
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 20, 2023
4. JJ Redick gave a full breakdown of getting tossed from his kid’s youth basketball game last weekend on his latest podcast episode, and it sure sounds like he got a raw deal.
I stand by my actions in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon https://t.co/PmBvPNuaB6
— JJ Redick (@jj_redick) April 20, 2023
5. When Maple Leafs fans started jawing at a Lightning player while he was in the penalty box Thursday night, Tampa Bay radio analyst Phil Esposito pulled no punches while assessing the situation.
"YOU'VE GOT A FAT WOMAN WHO'S YAPPIN' LIKE CRAZY" - Espo with the line of the night pic.twitter.com/FctZEvnyHA
— Bucs Rays Bolts (@BucsRaysBoltsYT) April 21, 2023
6. This week's episode of SI Media With Jimmy Traina dropped, and it features an interview with author, reporter and podcast host Jim Miller about several big stories in the sports media world.
Miller shares his insight into what he thinks will happen with the NBA’s future rights deals regarding TNT, ESPN, NBA, Apple and Amazon. Could the NBA leave Turner and what would that mean for Charles Barkley, who would become the biggest free agent in sports media history.
Miller also shares his thoughts on the upcoming layoffs at ESPN, YouTube’s pricing for NFL Sunday Ticket, the WWE’s upcoming TV deals and a surprise player that could be involved. Miller also weighs in on this season of Succession and gives us an update on the upcoming season of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Following Miller, Sal Licata from WFAN radio and SNY TV in New York joins Jimmy for their weekly "Traina Thoughts” segment. Topics covered include the Draymond Green suspension, betting stories, Aaron Rodgers, Air Pods and more.
You can listen to the podcast below or download it on Apple, Spotify and Google.
You can also watch the SI Media With Jimmy Traina on YouTube.
