The Works: Steve Kerr's Propaganda, Isiah's Near Miss

Filed under: Bulls, Knicks, NBA Media Watch, NBA Videos, The Works

In The Works today: the vindication of Isiah Thomas begins; trying to figure out what Tom Thibodeau was thinking and Kevin Harlan's false ecstasy. But first, does Steve Kerr need a gag order?

Kerr's Campaign

It's become something of a running joke on ESPN that Jeff Van Gundy will stick up for big bro Stan Van Gundy and his Magic whenever the opportunity presents itself. The level of self-awareness, even sarcasm, often present there is welcome; even if JVG feels his kin isn't getting due respect, he's smart enough to understand that no one is going to mistake him for impartial. The introduction of irony to these statements actually makes us more likely to take them seriously.

But this dynamic brings to light one of the most unsavory -- and least interesting -- aspects of the broadcast game: the problem of legacy. It's not just LeBron James who needs to be concerned with how the future will view him as part of the past.

What, you didn't see a sustained of critique of Steve Kerr coming right around the bend? Kerr, now back with TNT after a stint as Phoenix's GM, is universally respected as an analyst. His work in Phoenix wasn't too shabby, either; somehow, the historical record has put the blame for the Shaquille O'Neal trade on the entire organization; it didn't hurt that Shawn Marion went downhill really fast. Plus, he managed to keep Steve Nash around, and then cobbled together a roster that exceeded all expectations last year. Kerr did great things, leaving only because Robert Sarver was too silly to realize you have to pay general managers to win in this new NBA.

That doesn't mean, though, that Steve Kerr isn't still looking to spin his time in Phoenix. To wit: his statements about Amar'e Stoudemire when TNT was in Chicago for Knicks-Bulls.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

David Beckham LA Lakers Roger Federer New Jersey Devils Nicklas Lidstrom