ESPN NBA Studio Show Gets Rid of Broussard, Barry adds Simmons, Van Gundy

[Rudi]

In the latest sign that Bill Simmons is the most powerful man at ESPN, the columnist and man behind Grantland will reportedly join ESPN’s NBA studio show this season. Simmons and former Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy would replace Chris Broussard and Jon Barry, according to Sports By Brooks. However, ESPN couldn’t confirm the report when contacted on Tuesday by FishbowlLA. “We are in the process of considering all assignments for both returning and potential new commentator roles. As we’ve said before, Stan is someone we’d be interested in exploring,” said ESPN spokesman Ben Cafardo. “For Bill, same applies, we’re exploring the best ways to utilize all of our talent, including Bill, this NBA season.” Media Bistro

SOURCE: HOOPSHYPE

fuck bill simmons.

[Brewcity27]

Jon Barry is a fucking idiot.

[ralaw]

I take it Broussard won't be a regular, but instead just an insider/rumor guy. Bill Simmons is a bit weird to me, but I guess we will see. Van Gundy should be good. I wonder what they will do with Barry, because he generally gives good and strong opinions. TBH, I'd rather see Magic go, but we know that isn't happening.

[Kuzzy Powers]

Bill Simmons is garbage.

[TheImmortalGoud]

I'd rather have them keep Barry and get rid of Wilbon or Magic.

[Chrispy]

Simmons

[Warner2BruceTD]

[Warner2BruceTD]

I would think Simmons is too long winded for TV. I suppose he can dumb it down for the masses, like he does in his columns a lot of the time.

Also, i'm not sure ESPN/ABC is ready for Simmons detailed breakdowns of bench scrubs on Sacramento and Charlotte, since the only teams that exist in that universe are Lakers, Celtics, & Heat.

[Senser81]

How many clowns can ESPN fit in their clown car? LOL at getting rid of Jon Barry. He was the only guy with a brain. Thats the worst move ESPN has made since adding Desmond Howard to College Gameday.

[Mogriffjr]

Barry was good but I guess they'll have him more for in-studio type deals or analysis for sportscenter...

Simmons is being brought in to bring the lulz, that's pretty much it.

Broussard really didn't give much but he was solid, he'll become the insider type.

They still don't have a point man, i.e. a Ernie Johnson type. Wilbon is too clumsy with his words to become that I feel. Magic should go but again, that's not happening.

[Argath]

Broussard was quite possibly the worst hire in ESPN history. The sole reason he was hired was to provide "inside info" on lebron before his decision. Since then he has literally contributed absolutely nothing to any nba conversation he participates in other than showing why lebron is better than person x or how lebron improves Miami. I'm fairly certain he has never picked lebron to lose a game in his entire time at espn. Not to mention he's a faggot.

/rant

[FedEx227]

Jesus, well that settles me even watching ESPN pre-games. Barry was the only one with a thought.

[NAHSTE]

Preview of every taping of this show:

[Kuzzy Powers]

Broussard was quite possibly the worst hire in ESPN history. The sole reason he was hired was to provide "inside info" on lebron before his decision. Since then he has literally contributed absolutely nothing to any nba conversation he participates in other than showing why lebron is better than person x or how lebron improves Miami. I'm fairly certain he has never picked lebron to lose a game in his entire time at espn. Not to mention he's a faggot.

/rant

Ill give it to Brousard tho.. I dunno who he knows, but he is real close with people on inner circles and can get him some info other guys cant. Agreed that he is absolutely awful on that panel tho.

[A Tasty Burgerr]

ESPN halftime show was pretty much unwatchable, they had an awful dynamic and Magic and Broussard were both idiots. Barry was too much of a smart ass to be really insightful imo. I'm looking forward to seeing what Van Gundy brings, I dunno about Simmons though.