Once the NBA snatched media rights from TNT, a major shake-up was expected anyway. After all, handing over the rights to other networks like NBC, Amazon, and ESPN/ABC meant that Turner Sports would lose the privilege of hosting NBA games, thereby making its star Inside the NBA cast of former players/analysts almost obsolete. However, after TNT secured a deal to license its show to ESPN and ABC in November, things seemed fine. Unfortunately, it still was not enough for Reggie Miller and his ambitions…

Earlier today, it was announced that the former NBA player would be leaving TNT to join NBC Sports as its lead game analyst. Miller will continue to remain with his old network for the duration of the ongoing season, and will reportedly start calling one or more games per week, during the regular season and playoffs, come October. This shift is just another sign of the major overhaul in the basketball broadcasting lineup of NBC, as the network is set to relaunch its NBA coverage. Unfortunately, a few netizens have not taken the decision well. One of them even reacted to the announcement by writing, “”Lead analyst” god help us all.”

Reggie Miller’s decision now brings a 20-year-long journey to an end. The former player had joined TNT in 2005, the same year he officially retired from the NBA. He continued establishing a broadcasting career alongside his sister, who served as a sideline reporter for NBA on TNT. The announcement coming right after Miller called his 18 All-Star game would be surprising, given the former player’s longevity with the network. However, Miller does hold a special connection with NBC.

After all, in the official statement that announced Reggie’s exit, he stated: “Some of my most memorable moments have been on NBC and I’m looking forward to creating more”. Prime-time NBC carried games from 1990 through 2002, which marked the pinnacle of Miller’s NBA career. Therefore, returning to that nostalgia would be memorable for the former player.

Despite Reggie Miller’s personal feelings, the social media user’s viral remark confirmed that not everyone would be too impressed by his shift. Judging from the comments that filled up social media, that certainly seems to be the case.

Netizens put Reggie Miller’s broadcasting skills under attack: “I am sick of listening to this dude”

One social media user prioritized where to send his criticism by stating: “F—…. I am sick of listening to this dude he’s terrible!!! Respect to his game hall of famer/legend  but on the mic he’s f—– awful”.

Criticism about the Indiana Pacers legend’s commentary has existed for as long as his broadcasting career. A GQ article by Jack Moore, published in April 2015, accused Miller of being “pompous”.

The author also called him out for being “unnecessarily bombastic”, and not knowing what “no pun intended” actually means. More recently, Miller faced allegations of bias for supporting the Lakers over other teams. When called out over it, he denied supporting one side, and said, “The best compliments I have are on social media when I hear fans saying, ‘You’re such a homer for the Lakers,’ and then the very next comment is, ‘Why are you all on the bandwagon of the Nuggets?’ I’ve done my job”.

One individual used Reggie Miller to make a case for a whole group of NBA analysts: “Get rid of all them 90s . We done with the 90s!!”

This feeling may stem from several renowned NBA analysts being former players who played the game over 3 decades ago. 3 of the 4 hosts from the popular ‘NBA on TNT’ show consist of some of the big names of the Jordan Era: Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, etc. The banter and bond between them certainly make up for some good television. However, all those former players/analysts belong to a different ball era. So, fans can benefit by having some fresh new blood get into game analysis now.

One social media user wrote, “I like Reggie, loved him as a player but the lead analyst? These networks just don’t get it”.

This isn’t the first time that the Pacers legend has been subject to hate. Back in January, as speculation first started to come in about Miller’s shift, one individual had written: “The worst, horrible insight…cant talk because he has a beyond noticeable lisp”. This highlighted how many feel that Miller’s voice doesn’t offer the same energy or insight as some of his peers. The criticism aims not just at his speaking style, but the overall quality of the analysis too. Therefore, his 18-year-long playing career, which earned him a spot in the NBA’s 75th-anniversary team, will not matter if his underwhelming commentary overshadows it.

One social media user took a dig at Miller by stating, “So now he will say 100 times a game “Can you believe Lebron is 40 years old?” How many times can you possibly say that during a game??”

Given the allegations of a Lakers bias, it made sense that few fans would target Miller for praising the Kid from Akron too much. From indicating that LeBron would be on his Mount Rushmore to reportedly praising the player for a pass when it was a turnover, it is hard for Miller to live down the allegations…

Another individual added to the criticism, blurting, “He’s the worst by far and it’s not close”. Well, the former player may hold some merit, isn’t it? Otherwise, NBC would not have chosen to place their faith in him.

Overall, the majority of reactions took a negative stance against Reggie Miller. It remains to be seen whether this will continue a few months into his new gig.