With less than three days to go for the season opener, the NBA world already sparked a controversy. The preseason came to a dramatic end after the San Antonio Spurs shut off the Golden State Warriors, who looked for clean sweep on Friday night. Now the hoops community is all set to look forward for the much-awaited regular and the media houses are geared up with their promotional videos and strips. Notably, the fans welcomed NBA on TNT’s opening day teaser featuring LeBron James, Stephen Curry and others. However, leaving out the defending champion infuriated some.
TNT is one of the most popular media houses to cover the NBA. The crew involves legend like Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and many more. They engage in debates and analysis on various popular issues and icons of the league. Often times they also faced criticisms for being more star driven. In that line up, the opening day teaser sparked outrage among fans.
Teaser featuring LeBron James & others sparks outrage
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Over the years, the TNT received various criticisms about their game day shows. One of the Bleacher Report article from 2008 called it too long, circus, boring, and a lousy job. The crew uses a humorous approach to transcend entertainment to fans. However, some sections of fans doesn’t appreciate it. Similarly, the opening day teaser sparked outrage because it didn’t feature Nikola Jokic in the cover picture. Instead he had King James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Jayson Tatum.
In response to that, Vic Lombardi, a popular analyst of Altitude TV tweeted, “Oh, and the NBA champs. They’re playing too,” along with the picture of the teaser. Following that, Kevin O’Connor, popular podcast host, reshared the message and wrote, “Really strange Jokic isn’t featured on this graphic. The Celtics aren’t even playing on Tuesday!”
Really strange Jokic isn’t featured on this graphic. The Celtics aren’t even playing on Tuesday! https://t.co/xc5Q0Cki3b
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) October 22, 2023
Following that, fans went in the comments sections and criticized the media house for snubbing Jokic.
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Let’s find out more in detail about the fans’ rage.
Fans rip apart TNT in the comments
In response to Lombardi and O’Connor’s tweets, fans swarmed the comments and expressed their outrage. One user said, “THE DISRESPECT WAS NEVER A JOKE!! THIS IS INSANE.” Here are some more reactions from the fans.
Several directly attacked the media house for snubbing the Denver Nuggets star.
I am triggered
— Paul Anderson ☀️ (@PaulAndersun) October 22, 2023
Swagless organization
— SoWhat (@sooowhutt) October 22, 2023
Best player in the league can’t get on a promotion graphic lol crazyyyy
— Brock (@BBennett1992) October 22, 2023
Some section of fans backed the organization and argued that Jokic isn’t marketable as the others.
Because he isn’t marketable
— Mike Nichols 💯 (@michealnichols) October 22, 2023
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Jokic should be less humble. Talk some shit like Larry Bird did. They can’t stop him anyway…. Btw Celtics move the needle
— Brad Auerbach (@CelticsPost) October 22, 2023
Apart from that some fans shared hilarious memes and opinions to counter the tweet.
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What do you make of TNT’s approach towards the opening day teaser? Let us know in the comments below