Barrett and Rice vs other PbP combos

[Wizard Mentor]

I really like M&M, and I don't want them replaced. However.....

I absolutely can't stand Tony Luftman. He's barely tolerable after a win. After a loss, I already feel
like I've been slugged in the stomach. Then, I watch Luftman and feels like I've been slugged AGAIN.
I don't know why I keep watching after a loss, maybe it's like not being able to look away from a train wreck.

Sack TL!!

 

[hasoos]

While I enoy their sense of humor, their homerism drives me crazy sometimes. Some announcers I have had good experiences because I feel they are pretty objective are Dallas, Toronto, and even NY. I like Walt Frazier.

What I don't like about Mike and Mike, is that they go stretches where if the team isn't playing well, they almost seem like they are apologizing for it. Over and over and over. You don't have to apologize, we know you aren't responsible. Don't make excuses. There aren't any. If the team doesn't show up to play, it doesn't. That's just the way it is sometimes.

The other thing I don't like is that they often seem to try and make role players better or more important to the team than they are. Like the other night where I had to listen to them basically lament about Steve Blake being out (It was the beginning of the injury period) for a whole half of the game. That is all they did. After about 1.5 quarters of it, I just turned off the sound, and turned on some music.

I would respect them so much more if they were more objective. I feel sometimes (please note, sometimes) like I am being fed propaganda by the gistapo.

 

[PapaG]

While I enoy their sense of humor, their homerism drives me crazy sometimes. Some announcers I have had good experiences because I feel they are pretty objective are Dallas, Toronto, and even NY. I like Walt Frazier.

What I don't like about Mike and Mike, is that they go stretches where if the team isn't playing well, they almost seem like they are apologizing for it. Over and over and over. You don't have to apologize, we know you aren't responsible. Don't make excuses. There aren't any. If the team doesn't show up to play, it doesn't. That's just the way it is sometimes.

The other thing I don't like is that they often seem to try and make role players better or more important to the team than they are. Like the other night where I had to listen to them basically lament about Steve Blake being out (It was the beginning of the injury period) for a whole half of the game. That is all they did. After about 1.5 quarters of it, I just turned off the sound, and turned on some music.

I would respect them so much more if they were more objective. I feel sometimes (please note, sometimes) like I am being fed propaganda by the gistapo.

They are employed by the Blazers. I'm a bit surprised that people seem upset or turned off that they tend to give a Blazer perspective on the game.

 

[chris_in_pdx]

What I don't like about Mike and Mike, is that they go stretches where if the team isn't playing well, they almost seem like they are apologizing for it. Over and over and over. You don't have to apologize, we know you aren't responsible. Don't make excuses. There aren't any. If the team doesn't show up to play, it doesn't. That's just the way it is sometimes.

I would respect them so much more if they were more objective. I feel sometimes (please note, sometimes) like I am being fed propaganda by the gistapo.

One of the many things that I enjoyed about Bill Schonley was that, if he felt like the team wasn't putting out the effort or that the schemes that they were using weren't working, he would say so. He was "Rah-Rah Blazers!" as big as they came, but had enough integrity to call out the team if they deserved it.

 

[MrJayremmie]

I used to not like them at all, but now I appreciate them and they only rarely get on my nerves. Mainly Barrett when he is passive-aggressive, overly homeristic (i don't mind him being a little homer at all) and his excuse making. Mike Rice is cool and funny, his homer-ism is just funny as hell though and he always seems drunk and its entertaining. Sometimes I wonder if a radio commentary of Wheels and Rice is the way to go.

I really like Wheels overall, but sometimes he depresses me, which is ok cuz i'd be depressed if we were sucking anyway.

 

[Rodolfo]

I'd agree with that in terms of them being in the middle.
MB though is just WAY over the top sometimes with his homerism, it borderlines ridiculous. The sad thing is I actually think he feels he's being objective when he's being such a homer. But I'd rather have him as our PBP than most of the guys in the NBA. He's a smooth talker.
Rice is cool, and provides some comedy relief while giving respect to the opponent at times.

Luftman needs to go. A lot of his emotion seems to be fake, and he could care less about the Blazers IMO.

My favorites to listen to on league pass:
Knicks - Marv, Frazier, Kenny Smith sometimes, Gus Johnson
Nets - Ian Eagle is great IMO
Sacramento - They do their job well
Golden State - So homerish that it's entertaining
Clippers - Ralph Lawler is entertaining too.

Worst
Denver - So homerish that it's obnoxious
Memphis - Pete Pranica. Enough said.
OKC - Some former FSNW guy is there, and he sucks.
Lakers - Joel Meyers (zzzz.....)
Boston - The egos of the team seem to infiltrate the announcing booth too.

I haven't heard much local stuff outside of Portland. Think our guys are decent. I enjoyed the Eddie Doucette and Steve Jones combo back in the day. Mainly because Steve woud laugh at everything Ed said.

 

[alex42083]

I haven't heard much local stuff outside of Portland. Think our guys are decent. I enjoyed the Eddie Doucette and Steve Jones combo back in the day. Mainly because Steve woud laugh at everything Ed said.

I actually enjoyed Eddie as well. I think he went off on a lot of tangents that Steve Jones just had to laugh sometimes. They were a good pairing. Loved how he just called Sabas, "The Big Man from Lithuania."
Pranica was just terrible though. He was kind of a fake, and is doing the same with Memphis.

And who could forget old-school Pat Lafferty?

 

[THE HCP]

I've said this before, that Mike and Mike are actual Trailblazer employees. They work FOR the team! I'd have to do some digging, but I can't think of another team that does this. The other teams guys are employees of FSN,CSN,MSG, etc.

 

[maxiep]

I'd agree with that in terms of them being in the middle.
MB though is just WAY over the top sometimes with his homerism, it borderlines ridiculous. The sad thing is I actually think he feels he's being objective when he's being such a homer. But I'd rather have him as our PBP than most of the guys in the NBA. He's a smooth talker.
Rice is cool, and provides some comedy relief while giving respect to the opponent at times.

Luftman needs to go. A lot of his emotion seems to be fake, and he could care less about the Blazers IMO.

My favorites to listen to on league pass:
Knicks - Marv, Frazier, Kenny Smith sometimes, Gus Johnson
Nets - Ian Eagle is great IMO
Sacramento - They do their job well
Golden State - So homerish that it's entertaining
Clippers - Ralph Lawler is entertaining too.

Worst
Denver - So homerish that it's obnoxious
Memphis - Pete Pranica. Enough said.
OKC - Some former FSNW guy is there, and he sucks.
Lakers - Joel Meyers (zzzz.....)
Boston - The egos of the team seem to infiltrate the announcing booth too.

Wow, your list is so close to mine it's scary. I live in Denver so I have to listen to Marlowe and Hastings ALL THE TIME--they're unbearable.

You have them on there for different reasons, but I would remove GS and NYK because they're too homerish and replace them with only one team--the freaking L*kers. I hate to say it, but their broadcasting team is top notch. If I had to vote only for one, I'd go with the Clippers' team. They strike the balance of being supportive of the home team, informative and able to see a game fairly better than anyone else in the league.

As for M&M, they're below average.

 

[repda503]

"Now back to MIKE MIKE AND REBECCA"

i cry myself to sleep hearing this

 

[THE HCP]

"Now back to MIKE MIKE AND REBECCA"

i cry myself to sleep hearing this

Who would you replace them with?

 

[alex42083]

Who would you replace them with?

Tony? Someone local. There's a few qualified sportscasters around here who I'd want more than him.

 

[blue32]

HCP- can you get me Harlow's number!

 

[ehizzy3]

i love rebecca

 

[repda503]

Who would you replace them with?

anyone who doesn't sound fake all the time. I mean come on, once in a while change your transition. It's slightly annoying over and over again IMHO.

 

[hasoos]

They are employed by the Blazers. I'm a bit surprised that people seem upset or turned off that they tend to give a Blazer perspective on the game.

You know that would make sense if we knew nothing about basketball, and were just kind of half paying attention to have fun. But were not. Most of the fans, especially here on the boards, watch hoops and know whats going on. It kind of comes across as somebody trying to use the force on you.

Jedi Knight says "Everything is Rosy in Blazerland"

Storm Trooper "Everything is Rosy in Blazerland"

Jedi Knight "Move along, nothing to see here"

Storm Trooper "Move along, nothing to see here"

 

[noknobs]

I love Mike and Mike. Rebecca is okay. The studio guys are bad but I don't watch them anymore anyways. Out of sight, out of mind.

 

[PapaG]

You know that would make sense if we knew nothing about basketball, and were just kind of half paying attention to have fun. But were not. Most of the fans, especially here on the boards, watch hoops and know whats going on. It kind of comes across as somebody trying to use the force on you.

Jedi Knight says "Everything is Rosy in Blazerland"

Storm Trooper "Everything is Rosy in Blazerland"

Jedi Knight "Move along, nothing to see here"

Storm Trooper "Move along, nothing to see here"

I'd venture to guess that 99% of those watching aren't as educated about the team as people like you and me and don't watch with the same critical eye. I think the announcers are basically for the casual Blazer fan who wants to root with their family and doesn't obsess over Travis Outlaw not rotating to the corner or Sergio Rodriguez not fighting through a screen at the top of the key.

I don't expect Mike Rice to break down every deficiency on every play. That's why this board is here, right?

 

[chris_in_pdx]

Tony? Someone local. There's a few qualified sportscasters around here who I'd want more than him.

Kermit Washington and Mychal Thompson. The greatest sports talk duo Portland has ever seen.

 

[Natebishop3]

I honestly don't get to watch much league pass, so I haven't been exposed to other announcers as much as some of you, but I like listening to the ESPN or TNT guys simply because I'm curious what they think. We already KNOW what Mike and Mike think

 

[bigbailes]

i have no problem with a bit of homerism but barrett takes it to a new level. is it me or does rebecca seem very annoyed recently? my dad pointed it out to me the other day and i have to agree. maybe trout dumped her.

 

[PapaG]

i have no problem with a bit of homerism but barrett takes it to a new level. is it me or does rebecca seem very annoyed recently? my dad pointed it out to me the other day and i have to agree. maybe trout dumped her.

I did notice that she gave the camera an odd look Monday night as they cut away to an interview she had conducted. I even rewinded it a few times. She kind of tilted her head back and looked down on the camera. I wondered if it was a signal to someone special out there watching? Seemed odd and out of place.

 

[alex42083]

I honestly don't get to watch much league pass, so I haven't been exposed to other announcers as much as some of you, but I like listening to the ESPN or TNT guys simply because I'm curious what they think. We already KNOW what Mike and Mike think

Yeah, there's a reason those guys are on ESPN and TNT -- they're good. Well actually, I still don't really enjoy the ESPN announcers. TNT's are the best.
But of course, when the Blazers are losing big time, it's always nice to have the backup with our homer guys to see what kind of excuses they make for our poor play.

 

[alex42083]

i have no problem with a bit of homerism but barrett takes it to a new level. is it me or does rebecca seem very annoyed recently? my dad pointed it out to me the other day and i have to agree. maybe trout dumped her.

Trout? I thought it was LaMarcus she always dug. Despite all the three-, four-word answers LMA gives her after every game, she always keeps going back to him. It's kind of funny.

 

[PapaG]

Yeah, there's a reason those guys are on ESPN and TNT -- they're good. Well actually, I still don't really enjoy the ESPN announcers. TNT's are the best.
But of course, when the Blazers are losing big time, it's always nice to have the backup with our homer guys to see what kind of excuses they make for our poor play.

Mike Barrett has national-level talent IMO. It would be fun listening to him do a game that didn't involve the Blazers or Blazer Broadcasting. He's got a great delivery, a really strong voice, and doesn't dominate the game during play with his voice.

 

[alex42083]

Wow, your list is so close to mine it's scary. I live in Denver so I have to listen to Marlowe and Hastings ALL THE TIME--they're unbearable.

You have them on there for different reasons, but I would remove GS and NYK because they're too homerish and replace them with only one team--the freaking L*kers. I hate to say it, but their broadcasting team is top notch. If I had to vote only for one, I'd go with the Clippers' team. They strike the balance of being supportive of the home team, informative and able to see a game fairly better than anyone else in the league.

As for M&M, they're below average.

I actually like Marlowe when he's doing other stuff, like the Olympics. He's got a good voice. What comes out of his voice when he does Nuggets games is a different story with his constant whining and moaning of every call against Denver.
I hate the Lakers' crew though. I loved listening to Chick Hearn though. He was great. Meyers is beyond boring.

 

[rocketeer]

Yeah, there's a reason those guys are on ESPN and TNT -- they're good. Well actually, I still don't really enjoy the ESPN announcers. TNT's are the best.

a lot of the national guys are terrible as well.

 

[alex42083]

Mike Barrett has national-level talent IMO. It would be fun listening to him do a game that didn't involve the Blazers or Blazer Broadcasting. He's got a great delivery, a really strong voice, and doesn't dominate the game during play with his voice.

I'll agree with that. I'd like to see him tackle a non-Blazer game and be just an objective PBP guy. I'd take MB over the ESPN/ABC guys anyday.

 

[Masbee]

wondering for those who live outside the area or have the league pass, how do M and M stack up against the rest of the league? barrett kills me in his over the top praising of everything blazers and rice is quickly losing his cred with the bs that comes out of his mouth sometimes. they're not horrible but they get on my nerves and i'd love to turn them off and listen to wheels but he's even worse, and that's not mentioning harvey.

They are not great. There are worse crews, so I don't want to complain too much.

There is one thing that sometimes ruins it for me - Barrett spends far too much time complaining about the officiating. The killer is that he is often wrong. If there is a good angle to see the play I sometimes go back after he complains about a call or no call. I have seen far too many times where he is flat out wrong.

It is one thing to complain about the refs. It is another to complain (often) when the refs didn't screw up. He is crying wolf. Annoying.

I wish I didn't have to listen to that.

 

[Masbee]

They are actually quite good - exciting, entertaining, knowledagble. All local announcers are homers.

I've listened extensively to the Lakers with Chick and Stu, the Kings with Garry Gerould, and the Warriors with Tim Roye. They are all good (well, Chickie was the best), but our guys easily match up.

Are you kidding? Our guys are so far below Chick and Stu in quality that not only do they not match up, but M & M would tell you they don't match up.