Now, let's be perfectly clear, I have nothing against those who speak with a heavy lisp; it is a natural thing that happens to many great people. But, given the plethora of choices of who to put on the air to comment on NBA games, why choose an ex-player in Reggie Miller who is hard to understand, unintelligent, and has never won an NBA title or MVP as a player or coach?

For example, I just heard Miller say that the Spurs can't win a fast-paced game. Did he watch a single minute of the Suns-Spurs first round series? The Spurs blasted them on the fast break and beat them at their own, patented high- pace game. This is just one sample of the many bogus comments this guy makes on a nightly basis. Sometimes it's better for announcers to keep quiet instead off spew out baseless statements.

In fact, every time that he opens his mouth, it becomes easier to see why the Indiana Pacers never won a title with Reggie as their leader. To be fair, he was a great shooter and made some great plays, but he was never able to win the big game. He has taken his knowledge to the airwaves, but he has no idea how bad he is at his job. I have heard at least 30 local broadcasters who are hands down better basketball analysts and speakers. He was given this job as charity, and that is the bottom line.

If I was his speech teacher, I'd give him a D for clarity and an F for content. There is no way he should be paid to speak. TNT can and has done a better job hiring announcers. Listening to Reggie commentate makes me truly appreciate the job's ex-TNT commentators Steve Kerr and Sean Elliott days. Luckily, for Spurs fans, we get to watch Sean during the regular season on the local TV channel. I believe that given a choice of radio audio broadcast versus Reggie Miller's suspect talent, most people would prefer to listen to the game on AM and tune that annoying Miller voice out.

It's time for the NBA to upgrade the talent level and hire commentators who are more than just former NBA players and coaches (Jeff Van Gundy folks?). Candidates for on-air jobs should have a great on-air voice, a communications degree, and an intelligent perspective. Reggie Miller simply does not fit this bill.

As an avid NBA fan, I am forced to watch TNT, ESPN, and ABC because these are the networks that provide the best access for fans. With this I agree. What I do not agree with is the hiring of former players who are not qualified for the job. Let them appear on Inside the NBA with Charles Barkley, but not on the air with a legend like Marv Albert.

In closing, I hope that the NBA will do a better job in the future by hiring talent worthy of announcing the great game of basketball. I know there may seem to be a dislike for Reggie Miller based on the tone of this message, but I honestly have nothing but respect for his achievements and ability as a player. I, and many others, just feel that he is not making the grade as a professional TV commentator.

Learn more about this author, Carlos Santiago.
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