I couldn't have been more open minded to Calabro, and subsequently, Hurd. I really cannot emphasize this enough -they're fucking professional. They're really good. They're not Portland. That really matters to me. I'm only speaking for me. I want M&M back immediately. Do you?
Nope. I liked M&M, I did. But this is fine. People hate change because it scares them... change is awesome, and should be embraced.
I'm gonna give them more time, but yes, sometimes they mine as well be covering the game for NBATV or something. OTOH, other times they seem to be fine. Shrug, I can kind of see both sides.
I'll give them a year before I throw in the towel on them, they definetly dont' feel as familiar or like they care as much as M&M but M&M had YEARS of exposure and time with the team.
I disagree. I really like having Calabro here. He is a basketball guy. However, the "Black and Red" reference will get old. I like Hurd's youthfulness of the game. He's not stale and I don't think he will be looking at his watch wondering when the playoffs might get over so he can hit the greens. I obviously don't know this but it FELT like the season couldn't get over soon enough for Rice last year when the Blazers were extending the series with the Clipps. Other than that, Rice over the years left a bad taste in my mouth. People were quick to defend him but the radio leakage of "TURN DOWN THE AUDIO ASSHOLE" didn't sit well with me. I think that was Rice in another hangover state. And I always felt Barrett was a bit condescending. These two will be great. Keep in mind, Rice wasn't a Portland guy either when he first start. But in time he became that way. Give this duo, who are refreshing some time.
I was impressed with the change between their first and second games. I knew they would get better as they learned the team and became comfortable working together, but I thought that would take at least 20 games, not 2. They aren't perfect, or even good enough yet, but based on how fast they are improving, I'm sure they will be fine. Calabro called his usual tight, professional game, but with a little more excitement in his voice. Could have just been a function of the nature of the game. It was a closer, more intense game and that was reflected in his call. Hurd made the biggest improvement from game 1 to game 2. He was much more relaxed and didn't seem like he was trying too hard to impress like he was in his first game. His commentary fit in much better with the flow of the game. Mike and Mike will always be missed, the same way Schonely will be for those who have been following the team long enough to remember his calls. Mike and Mike were never going to be Schonely and Calabro and Hurd will never be Mike and Mike. Doesn't matter. They will be good in their own way. I already like Calabro better than I ever liked Eddie Doucette and Lamar Hurd is a billion times better than Tone ever was. In fact, I like the empty chair next to Wheels better than I ever liked Tone. BNM
No they are not Portland. But Portland isn't even Portland any more. Calabro and Hurd were most likely brought in to give the Blazers a slicker, more professional broadcast and they will probably fulfill that purpose very well. Nostalgia dies on the vine faster than any summer fruit and business is the overall motive behind most things in life.
Fans acting like Mike & Mike were on some Vin Scully-level attachment to the team need to get over it. Losing the Snapper was a bigger deal a while back. Landing Calabro was a coup and really makes the presentation a lot easier to listen to IMHO.
I missed Mike and Mike, but these guys are fine. The most important thing is that they are not annoying like many broadcasters are. but yeah, their broadcast sounds more national
Everyone freaked out about Schonz getting replaced, when that happened. Myself included. People didn't want to give Wheels a chance at first. Give the new team some time.
I liked M&M, they were not that good at broadcasting but they made home games sound and feel nice and cozy. The drunk uncle and the cousin who thinks he sounds smart because he graduated from a community college.
The only guy on the Blazer broadcasting crew that was not good was Antonio Harvey. He was just not broadcasting material, because he was always tripping over his own words.
I bet they wanted to fire Antonio Harvey, but fired Mike and Mike just so it didn't look like they were targeting a black man.
I definitely miss mike and mike. Watching the game just didnt feel the same to me. I will get over it the more games I watch though.
