Bah, Big Ticket! Somehow, I wrote an entire column about this and omitted the best possible phrase for the situation: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Congratulations for officially clinching the “Line from a Reader That I Wish I’d Remembered To Say” for the week starting Sunday, February 10. Well said.

Good analogy to the racing game, and glad to see you’re in line with me on this one.

-sw

The reason why the angle is so bad, is the same reason why it will not be leaving anytime soon. The camera angle annoys basketball fans, and people that know about basketball. The NBA is not concerned basketball fans. For years now, the NBA has taken basketball fans for granted, and simply tried to bring in new fans with gimmicks, flashy images, and Beyonce at halftime.

The camera sucks, period, it works for football, but really detracts from an NBA game. Having said that, get used to it, some minivan mom in Wisconsin thinks it’s cute.

lemonadesky,

I hear you on the issue of sitting courtside versus slightly higher up, although I would say that the camera issue really exacerbates this problem. There are some benefits to sitting courtside at a basketball game — you’re legitimately nearer to the action, you can hear the players yelling and can watch certain individuals with a lot more closeness. Also, when sitting courtside, at least you have the power to look at any part of the court you want, rather than the small slice of it that the camera gives fans on TV. On television, fans get none of those benefits and would simply be far better off with that high-angle view. Frustrating.

Hey, great use of a Frazierism! “State of disarray” has long been a favorite of mine, along with numerous others. Just to name a few: razzle-dazzle, starting to percolate, in danger of dropping further into the abyss, swishing and dishing, posting and toasting, discombobulated….I could go all day. I really do believe that Walt and Breen make a game more fun to watch. A truly special announcing team.

Much thanks for the suggestion about putting together a piece before the trade deadline; I’ll definitely look into it over the next few days. These suggestions — from you or any of the other great readers around here — are always welcome. And, of course, thanks for writing in as always.

-sw

Celtic,

Sadly, I’m in complete and utter agreement with you (and wish I’d mentioned your point at the conclusion of the piece). Every now and then I have to forget that the “mainstream” at this point is casual spectators rather than hardcore basketball fans, and as such, a “follow-the-ball-and-nothing-else” mentality can work for the networks. Aggravating.

Much thanks for writing in to make a great point about this.

-sw

nazzbo,

Thanks as always for dropping the knowledge, particularly about the history of the camera. If you’re looking to evaluate Breen, you’ll want to see if you can listen to him when he’s really in his element — on a Knicks telecast with Walt. He does a very good job on ESPN and ABC with a decent set of analysts (he’s had Hubie, Jon Barry, Mark Jackson and Van Gundy), but he is great for MSG. Worth checking out if you have any access (I know it’s tough without League Pass or NBA TV).

-sw

no kidding,

Couldn’t agree more…but sadly, I think it goes back to Celtic’s point about helping draw in the casual observer, which is what the networks believe that these sorts of techniques do. It’s unfortunate, really.

-sw

People are being a bit too harsh on that angle.
I actually liked it here and there, but agree that it was used too much.

I think with better directors, the angle could really add something to the broadcast.
It needs to be used wisely, not just after plays, but during plays when it is applicable.
That’s all I’m saying.

Who cares anyway, 10 years from now we’ll be able to select our own angles.

mcpu40,

As you may have noticed by now, I’m generally loathe to unilaterally bash anything or anyone, but I have a real problem understanding what the viable upsides of the camera are at all — in live action. To me, I can understand trying out the different angles and technologies on replays, especially because that can help tighten the shot in on a particular part of the play and to see it from a different vantage point. But I would be curious to hear what you like about it in real time.

Thanks for writing in and for, as always, not hesitating to register a different viewpoint.

-sw

mcpu40,

Bah…looks like your second comment went up just as I was posting my first one. That said, if you had any further thoughts on the matter, I’m always happy to hear them.

-sw

My points on this matter shouldn’t count anyway because I watchthe games on a NON HDTV tv.

It looked so blurry and lame on my regular channel 5 that I changed it to 805.

The digital box actually tunes it in, and it looks better, with a black bar on top & bottom.

But still…I need an HDTV badly.

The wife is not allowing it right now though, baby due in 72 days.

Steve,

You asked what I liked about the low angle in real time and it’s a few things:
It gets us closer to the players, it makes us feel the game from their point of view, my 3-year old son can see their faces and recognize what it’s like down low when they have their hands on the ball, it brings a new vantage point to the action, and it’s just plain different.

I think with a lot of direction and quick thinking, it could really add something to the live broadcast if used properly.

But I totally agree that it was overused and not used properly.
Therefore, it took away from the action at points during the game.

MBurke15,

Agreed with you on almostevery count. Like many fans, I too pine for the NBC days, particularly Tesh’s appropriately named “Roundball Rock,” which I’m fortunate enough to have on my iTunes (although it isn’t the same without an NBA game to follow the intro). The music, the halftime shows, the build-ups and most of the analysts don’t thrill me either with regard to ABC.

All that said, since you mentioned two play-by-play announcers in Harlan and Marv, I would hasten to point out that Mike Breen does a job that can stack up with that of anyone in the game. That’s my only dispute.

-sw

mcpu40,

Thanks for clarifying your points for me. I follow what you’re saying, though I think we might be able to agree that as of now, it is clear that the needed “direction and quick thinking” appears to be a long way away.

Your comments are always appreciated, and my congratulations and best of luck on the soon-to-be-impending (2 and a half months still gives you some time, I’d think) addition in your life.

-sw