http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3173033 Rockets weigh future of broadcasting team By DAVID BARRON Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Since there's nothing constructive to be said about being on the business end of the worst Game 7 blowout in NBA history, let's turn to other matters — specifically, the future of the Rockets' broadcast team. In the wake of his performance on ESPN's Dream Job and his work with Bill Worrell on Rockets television this season, Matt Bullard is going to get job offers, and he's going to pursue openings. "Doing Rockets TV would be the best gig for me. Being able to stay home would make the most sense," Bullard said Sunday. "But I would like to make a push for TNT. I think it's a realistic possibility, and I'm going to pursue it." If the Rockets dawdle too long on Bullard, he might not be available. Van Chancellor wants to stay involved as a broadcaster, too. And, of course, there's Calvin Murphy. The team said it would address Murphy's situation when the season was done, and you don't get any more done than losing your final game by 40 points. Tad Brown, the Rockets' executive vice president for marketing and sales, already has met with FSN regional general manager Jon Heidtke on such matters, and more meetings are planned for later this month. Those conversations should and will include talk about the pregame and postgame studio show. Local fans footing the bill for the new Rockets/Astros cable contract are not best served by parachuting in FSN's Irving-based anchors for playoff games or by hosting postgames from Irving during the regular season. The new studio at Toyota Center is up and running, and FSN needs someone local to man it. There are plenty of options for studio analyst — whoever doesn't get the game analyst job, perhaps Mark Jackson, former Rockets coach Don Chaney or an outside candidate. Cynthia Cooper is out because of her coaching job at Prairie View A&M. More important, though, is a host. While Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley get the attention, TNT's studio show wouldn't work as well without Ernie Johnson. The Rockets need a capable talent — perhaps Jeff Hagedorn, maybe Kevin Eschenfelder — to make their show click. Man, can you imagine Bill & Calvin back with Hagedorn, Bullard and Mark Jackson in studio? That's like a dream team for the Rockets.
just say no ! (I like the others though) - in fact Bull did a good job (he offers good insights and well spoken analyses) Maybe Bull could do the games and Calvin could do the pre and post games (since that would give him more time to give his takes and take calls)
Calvin wants to do the play by play. He likes to hear himself make noise (I do too by the way, he is awesome) and I dont think a job in the studio with 2 other people is enough for his ego. I hope that next season Bill and Calvin are like peas and carrots again.
Get rid of that godawful Miss. drawl. I wish Bullard the best opportunities he can get, even if that means national. He deserves the big time. Evan
I like that lineup, Jeff. Hearing Bull and Van alongside Bill W was just out of the ordinary. Calvin is the energy Rockets broadcasting needs. That's one step in the right direction for the Rockets this offseason.
listen to other NBA color guys around the league, no one compares to Bill & Calvin. I think they are the best together. As far as Jeff Hagedorn & Kevin Eschenfelder I am not that impressed, to vanilla.
PLEASE BRING BACK CALVIN! I watch most every game by myself. When Bill and Calvin broadcast, I feel like I'm watching the game with friends. Van Chancellor may bring some of the fun Calvin brings, but he's very difficult to listen to. I love Matt Bullard, but he's very bland. He's not very colorful or interesting. In fact, he's just flat out boring. I could see him doing very well in a situation where he was the Ernie Johnson to somebody elses Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, but there's no way in hell he can be the Charles Barkley or Kenny Smith. If Bullard is teamed with Worrell, Worrell will be the more colorful of the two. That does not bode well.
The good news is that Cooper is gone..man,what a freakshow. Now,on Calvin..gotta have him breaking down the game.Perhaps,the pre and post game gig will lead back into his rightful job.
Mark Jackson? The times I saw him on national broadcasts this season he seemed to love hating on the Rockets. Alot of unwarranted criticism and lack of kudos on his part.
I really hope Calvin will be back.. didnt someone say they have a insider that says Calvin will be back for sure??
I'd love to see a 3 man play by play team. Bill, Calvin, & Bull. I think that would work out really well.
I really want Calvin back, but I really like Bull. I wouldn't mind losing Bull if he goes on to TNT, I'd be happy for him. I also agree, there just isn't another duo around the league like Bill and Calvin.
Don't really have an opinion on Bull, Calvin, Cynthia, the Tin Man, etc. All I have to say is....please get rid of Bill Worrell! I cannot stand him!!
