for those who think that TNT hates the Rockets have some. Now Tmac and Yao (who are more important than some stupid "rocket" fans) can DIRECTLY REACT to Kenny and Charles. Call 911 or Bob Sura, the haters just fainted! http://www.brandweek.com/bw/magazine/columns/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003661010 Showtime at TNT Turner Broadcasting will shift its NBA marketing away from celebrities and toward studio talent Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley of TNT NBA Thursday. The show's pre-game, halftime and post-game segments are very popular with players. So in art-imitates-life TV spots, handled in-house, players react to what the trio is saying about them. Initial creative includes Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady and Steve Nash; new creative and players will follow. A separate push with Johnson, Smith and Barkley sees them recalling such highlights as LeBron James scoring 50 points in a playoff game. In recent years, a "Let the truth be told" effort starred Ali G, Spike Lee and Jay-Z. "We're pulling back from that," said Craig Barry, vp-creative director at Turner Sports, Atlanta. "The differentiator in our NBA coverage is our on-air talent. So we wanted [Johnson, Smith and Barkley] to have a voice." Barry said TNT NBA Thursday would continue to address controversial issues, like Tim Donaghy betting on NBA games while he was a ref, but ads will not. Coverage begins with a special edition Oct. 30. Print and Internet support. Turner spent $4.3 million on ads for all sports in 2006 and $3.2 million January-August 2007, per Nielsen Monitor-Plus.
Just because they have Tracy and Yao on doesn't mean they aren't going to say "Tracy has no heart" and "Yao is soft". That's what they always say. Kenny Smith is a Rockets traitor.
I don't see anyone else calling out Kobe Bryant on national TV. Calling out Yao and Tmac is probably much easier. If they play sub par, Kenny and Charles would let them know. If they play great then they'll get props. You know that's how it works right? you get props when you win. not when you lose right?
TNT has secretly replaced Kenny Smith with Mlwoo Mwloo now will interview Yao. Hey what happened to Kenny? he took the day off. Yao, you did so great! how does it feel? dude, we lost, I don't care that I scored 20points. We are out of the playoffs. You are better than Shaq! Yao! Your children are beautiful! the Rockets will win the championship. Uh, dude. we lost the game. Why do you care about my kids? What does Shaq have to do with this? I'm going home and calling Kenny and wish him well. We are the champions Rockets! 10 times champions, Yao is better than Michael Jordan! Yao Only fans forever!
Sir Charles has actually gone 'soft' on T-Mac in recent years. He's been saying the last couple of times how he's "not to blame" and how he "feels bad" for him when he loses in Game 7's. Either way, TNT NBA coverage has set the standard for excellence, it's far and away the most entertainment and informative sports coverage ever; and yes, that includes other sports coverage (NFL, MLB, etc). People tune in just to hear what Kenny and Charles have to say. EJ is the best at what he does, and the two other guys make sure that there is never a dull moment. I tune in even if I have no interests in watching the game itself, or just DVR the whole thing and skip to the pre-game/half-time/post-game show segments.
Ok. Where's the hate evidence haters? Kenny said that the new offense allows for more possessions which allows for more players to get involved like Mike James. The slow JVG made every possession about getting the ball to your best player. Great point. Charles talked about Tmac's movement without the ball. noted the added talent. Another good point. So basically when your mom was telling you to go to sleep, you haters missed out on this analysis. right haters?
