Analysis: The Hawks crew is so unapologetically pro-Atlanta that the broadcast doubles as insult comedy. Nique, a basketball legend with enough cache to say whatever he wants, will routinely belittle opposing players when they screw up. Rathbun is his toady, but he possesses the broadcasting chops to get things back on track when they, you know, want to get back to the game.
Reader comments: “It hurts, but the Hawks’ broadcast is the worst in the division. This is solely because of Wilkins. Danny Ferry tried and failed to get Nique out of the broadcast chair. That may have been his biggest disappointment as a GM, Luol Deng be damned.
This sums it up perfectly. Same tired lines every game. For being one of the best dunkers in NBA history, he never catches any of the lobs that Bob throws his way. Rathbun has his homerific moments but he’s a fair pbp guy.” – Drunckle