“2023 Is So Non-fun”: Change in the Commentary Team Sparks Controversy Among NBA Fans

The NBA season unfolded with a splash of excitement introducing a new era in the world of basketball commentary. However, this surprise was not been kindly accepted by the fans as the celebrated voices of Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson fell silent.

The fans took to social media to express their discontent rooted in the altered landscape in the NBA commentary. But why are people so disapproving of the commentary and more importantly, what happened to the regular guys? Why fix something that isn’t broken?

End of an era for the fan-favorite NBA commentary duo

See, for the longest time, the beloved chemistry between Jackson and Van Gundy escalated the spirit of the game. However, based on the recent decision of ESPN, the new prime-time commentary team includes veteran analyst Doris Burke, and Doc Rivers, the NBA legend while the familiar voice of Mike Breen will continue to entertain NBA enthusiasts. 

The Jackson and Van Gundy partnership commentary has reserved a special place in the hearts of NBA fans. But in recent times, owing to budget cuts curtailed various ESPN on-air talents bringing the era of insightful analysis and camaraderie to an abrupt end. 

Based on the information provided by The Daily Mail, the new trio made their debut during the match between the New York Knicks versus Boston Celtics, ESPN’s first NBA doubleheader of the season. This marked the beginning of NBA fans taking to social media platforms lamenting the departure of their favorite commentary pair. 

Backslash spree by the NBA fans continues on social media

To voice their opinion NBA fans took to Twitter to express their dissatisfaction with the abrupt change in the commentary tea lamenting the absence of the celebrated duo Jackson and Van Gundy. The fans refused to falsify their expressions and ensured to reveal what they felt without any form of sugarcoating.

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One of the fans with the Twitter handle @casualtakeking wrote on Twitter stating, “I’m sorry but doc rivers and Doris Burke are making my ears bleed with all due respect.” Another fan wrote, “i’m not even joking i don’t think i can take doris burke in my ear all season long.” One of the fans also wrote, “So…in order to enjoy Mike Breen calling an NBA game, I now have to endure Doris Burke AND Doc Rivers? 2023 is so non-fun.”

A seasoned sports analyst, Burke possesses a long-standing career with ESPN since she has been part of various roles in both men’s and women’s basketball games at professional and collegiate levels since 1991. However, her achievements seem to have failed to leave a mark on the fans, with them labeling her presence to be less than enjoyable. 

Based on the reactions, it can be stated that the new commentary arrangement has a detrimental impact causing hindrance to the fans restricting them from enjoying the NBA matches. Fans are still grappling with the transition putting the future of NBA commentary under much speculation.  

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