Donny Marshall leaving?

[guava_wrench]

Kevin McHale gets my vote.

I think the gig might be too small time for McHale. He already has a national gig.

[guava_wrench]

Mad Max. Great insight, down to earth, knows the game and the Cs. Has Celtic credentials.

I would like to see Tommy move to the studio. He is way to emotional to be insightful for most of the game, but is still great when making comments in the studio during halftime.

I would then like Max for TV because he is entertaining and already a Celtics broadcasting icon.

[bdm860]

Isn't Michael Holly the logical replacement?

Possible replacement yes.

Logical...we could debate that all day 

I know tons of people, myself included do not want a studio analyst who 85% of the viewers could beat in a game of 1v1.  Let alone didn't play in the NBA.

I could care less about his basketball skills, I just find him annoying as a broadcaster.  I'm tired of guys who aren't good speakers being on TV for some reason.

Basketball skill set I could agree is somewhat irrelevant.  I also agree with your point about speaking.

But other then that, I personally don't want a studio analyst for the greatest franchise in the NBA with 30+ Hall of Famers analyzed by someone who did not even sit on the bench of a NBA team.

This is just my opinion but you have to have some type of NBA credentials to be a credible NBA studio analyst.  Otherwise, I could easily nominate several people from this board to take his job.

I don't think it's really neccessary.  I mean, if a guy was an ex player, coach, whatever that is fine and definitely can add something, but some of the best TV sports guys are just writers (Kornheiser and Wilbon on PTI come to mind). 

And by the same token, not all writers should just get TV jobs (this is what Holly did, even tho IMO he is a terrible broadcaster he just got a job because he was a Celts beat writer).

Personally, I'm tired of TV people getting their jobs based on whatever they did previously.  Okay, Lou Holtz is a legendary coach but he is a god awful broadcaster who can't speak clearly and makes points that make you scratch your head (guy picks Notre Dame to win at the beginning of the year last year I believe).  Emmitt Smith is another example of the ex-players who get jobs just based on their playing days when in reality they are awful broadcasters.  Gary Payton an NBA example (Gary and C-Webb together made for some hilarious if terrible broadcasting moments, tho I think Webber is pretty good on TV now).

Guys who are ex-players can be great TV broadcasters, so can writers, but I just think there is too much emphasis based on whatever else or previously these people had done that gets them TV jobs.  I want a good broadcaster first and foremost.

So not disagreeing with you really, just wanted to vent about that.  Mostly the better broadcasters stick around but you see a lot of terrible ones show up for a while and a few stick around that really bother me on TV.

/cosign

Couldn't agree more everything you said...especially Lou Holtz it sounds like he is drunk 24/7 365.

Personally I think it's huge to have an ex-player/coach as one of the broadcasters, they just have that insight that only someone who's actually been there, and done that can talk about.  Now I agree that you don't have to be an ex-player to be a good broadcaster (i.e. Wilbon, Kornheiser, Ernie Johnson, etc.), but it helps to have at least one ex-player on the broadcast team.  So if Mike Gorman, a non-player, is one of the broadcasters, I would prefer an ex-player sitting next to him.  Sooooo many ex-players out there that you shouldn't have to settle for one that sucks (like Scott Pollard, remember when he did a game, ugh).  With that being said I think Antoine or Scal would work great.

And I'm used to being in the minority, so let me add this:  I actually like Donny, and think Max sucks.  I hate listening to Max.

[shiggins]

Isn't Michael Holly the logical replacement?

Possible replacement yes.

Logical...we could debate that all day  

I know tons of people, myself included do not want a studio analyst who 85% of the viewers could beat in a game of 1v1.  Let alone didn't play in the NBA.

I could care less about his basketball skills, I just find him annoying as a broadcaster.  I'm tired of guys who aren't good speakers being on TV for some reason.

Basketball skill set I could agree is somewhat irrelevant.  I also agree with your point about speaking.

But other then that, I personally don't want a studio analyst for the greatest franchise in the NBA with 30+ Hall of Famers analyzed by someone who did not even sit on the bench of a NBA team.

This is just my opinion but you have to have some type of NBA credentials to be a credible NBA studio analyst.  Otherwise, I could easily nominate several people from this board to take his job.

I don't think it's really neccessary.  I mean, if a guy was an ex player, coach, whatever that is fine and definitely can add something, but some of the best TV sports guys are just writers (Kornheiser and Wilbon on PTI come to mind).  

And by the same token, not all writers should just get TV jobs (this is what Holly did, even tho IMO he is a terrible broadcaster he just got a job because he was a Celts beat writer).

Personally, I'm tired of TV people getting their jobs based on whatever they did previously.  Okay, Lou Holtz is a legendary coach but he is a god awful broadcaster who can't speak clearly and makes points that make you scratch your head (guy picks Notre Dame to win at the beginning of the year last year I believe).  Emmitt Smith is another example of the ex-players who get jobs just based on their playing days when in reality they are awful broadcasters.  Gary Payton an NBA example (Gary and C-Webb together made for some hilarious if terrible broadcasting moments, tho I think Webber is pretty good on TV now).

Guys who are ex-players can be great TV broadcasters, so can writers, but I just think there is too much emphasis based on whatever else or previously these people had done that gets them TV jobs.  I want a good broadcaster first and foremost.

So not disagreeing with you really, just wanted to vent about that.  Mostly the better broadcasters stick around but you see a lot of terrible ones show up for a while and a few stick around that really bother me on TV.

/cosign

Couldn't agree more everything you said...especially Lou Holtz it sounds like he is drunk 24/7 365.

Personally I think it's huge to have an ex-player/coach as one of the broadcasters, they just have that insight that only someone who's actually been there, and done that can talk about.  Now I agree that you don't have to be an ex-player to be a good broadcaster (i.e. Wilbon, Kornheiser, Ernie Johnson, etc.), but it helps to have at least one ex-player on the broadcast team.  So if Mike Gorman, a non-player, is one of the broadcasters, I would prefer an ex-player sitting next to him.  Sooooo many ex-players out there that you shouldn't have to settle for one that sucks (like Scott Pollard, remember when he did a game, ugh).  With that being said I think Antoine or Scal would work great.

And I'm used to being in the minority, so let me add this:  I actually like Donny, and think Max sucks.  I hate listening to Max.

Donny sucked more than Pollard as a player...

[bdm860]

Isn't Michael Holly the logical replacement?

Possible replacement yes.

Logical...we could debate that all day  

I know tons of people, myself included do not want a studio analyst who 85% of the viewers could beat in a game of 1v1.  Let alone didn't play in the NBA.

I could care less about his basketball skills, I just find him annoying as a broadcaster.  I'm tired of guys who aren't good speakers being on TV for some reason.

Basketball skill set I could agree is somewhat irrelevant.  I also agree with your point about speaking.

But other then that, I personally don't want a studio analyst for the greatest franchise in the NBA with 30+ Hall of Famers analyzed by someone who did not even sit on the bench of a NBA team.

This is just my opinion but you have to have some type of NBA credentials to be a credible NBA studio analyst.  Otherwise, I could easily nominate several people from this board to take his job.

I don't think it's really neccessary.  I mean, if a guy was an ex player, coach, whatever that is fine and definitely can add something, but some of the best TV sports guys are just writers (Kornheiser and Wilbon on PTI come to mind).  

And by the same token, not all writers should just get TV jobs (this is what Holly did, even tho IMO he is a terrible broadcaster he just got a job because he was a Celts beat writer).

Personally, I'm tired of TV people getting their jobs based on whatever they did previously.  Okay, Lou Holtz is a legendary coach but he is a god awful broadcaster who can't speak clearly and makes points that make you scratch your head (guy picks Notre Dame to win at the beginning of the year last year I believe).  Emmitt Smith is another example of the ex-players who get jobs just based on their playing days when in reality they are awful broadcasters.  Gary Payton an NBA example (Gary and C-Webb together made for some hilarious if terrible broadcasting moments, tho I think Webber is pretty good on TV now).

Guys who are ex-players can be great TV broadcasters, so can writers, but I just think there is too much emphasis based on whatever else or previously these people had done that gets them TV jobs.  I want a good broadcaster first and foremost.

So not disagreeing with you really, just wanted to vent about that.  Mostly the better broadcasters stick around but you see a lot of terrible ones show up for a while and a few stick around that really bother me on TV.

/cosign

Couldn't agree more everything you said...especially Lou Holtz it sounds like he is drunk 24/7 365.

Personally I think it's huge to have an ex-player/coach as one of the broadcasters, they just have that insight that only someone who's actually been there, and done that can talk about.  Now I agree that you don't have to be an ex-player to be a good broadcaster (i.e. Wilbon, Kornheiser, Ernie Johnson, etc.), but it helps to have at least one ex-player on the broadcast team.  So if Mike Gorman, a non-player, is one of the broadcasters, I would prefer an ex-player sitting next to him.  Sooooo many ex-players out there that you shouldn't have to settle for one that sucks (like Scott Pollard, remember when he did a game, ugh).  With that being said I think Antoine or Scal would work great.

And I'm used to being in the minority, so let me add this:  I actually like Donny, and think Max sucks.  I hate listening to Max.

Donny sucked more than Pollard as a player...

I'm not talking about the ex-players actual basketball skill, I'm talking about their broadcasting skill (although theoretically, if I'm choosing between two ex-players, all else being equal I think I'd want the one who was a little more accomplished).

[35Lewis]

No to Dana and no to Scal.

I like both as people but they don't have enough opinion to offer up analysis on a 2-4 times a week basis.  Dana and Scal also have tendencies to drift into more of an 'accent' as the conversation carries.

I don't necessarily think it should be another NBA guy because it got old listening to Donny comment on how "when I was playing"...I know that it was insight but it is more of a singular how that person felt type of situation.

Please no Max either.

I say go with Rasheed the first half of the season and then have guest spots after February.

[bdm860]

No to Dana and no to Scal.

I like both as people but they don't have enough opinion to offer up analysis on a 2-4 times a week basis.  Dana and Scal also have tendencies to drift into more of an 'accent' as the conversation carries.

I don't necessarily think it should be another NBA guy because it got old listening to Donny comment on how "when I was playing"...I know that it was insight but it is more of a singular how that person felt type of situation.

Please no Max either.

I say go with Rasheed the first half of the season and then have guest spots after February.

Never thought about it, but Sheed would be awesome, he could step right in for Tommy complaining about the refs and not miss a beat.

He also used to host a hip hop radio show when he was with the Blazers so he actually has some experience.

He actually has a good voice for that too IMO (as opposed to someone like Dee Brown, nice guy, not the best voice though, or Shaq, funny guy, but I would hate listening to this guy do a game), and he also speaks clearly (unlike, say Perk).

Seriously, I'm all for Sheed.

[BballTim]

No to Dana and no to Scal.

I like both as people but they don't have enough opinion to offer up analysis on a 2-4 times a week basis.  Dana and Scal also have tendencies to drift into more of an 'accent' as the conversation carries.

I don't necessarily think it should be another NBA guy because it got old listening to Donny comment on how "when I was playing"...I know that it was insight but it is more of a singular how that person felt type of situation.

Please no Max either.

I say go with Rasheed the first half of the season and then have guest spots after February.

Never thought about it, but Sheed would be awesome, he could step right in for Tommy complaining about the refs and not miss a beat.

He also used to host a hip hop radio show when he was with the Blazers so he actually has some experience.

He actually has a good voice for that too IMO (as opposed to someone like Dee Brown, nice guy, not the best voice though, or Shaq, funny guy, but I would hate listening to this guy do a game), and he also speaks clearly (unlike, say Perk).

Seriously, I'm all for Sheed.

  I can just picture my family watching a game. Someone on the Celts commits a questionable foul. Everyone's on the edge of their seat as the free throw's taken, ready to shout "BALL DON"T LIE!" in unison with Sheed if it misses the mark.

[RIPRED]

This is mainly due to Tommy becoming a caricature of himself at this point, Gorman has still got it.  I love Tommy, but it's time for him to hang em' up like Cooz did when it became evident his time had passed.

Wow. I love Tommy, and think that he 100% still "has it." Also, Cooz did not leave on his own. Comcast (Fox Sports Net) did not renew his contract, much to the dismay of true Celtics fans around the globe.

[celtsrp33]

I've been seeing some comments in a few forums that Donny Marshall was leaving Comcast.  Can anyone confirm if this is true and if they've identified his replacement in the studio?

if this is true and no replacement has been named, I have a few suggestions for a studio cohost with that dip Tanguay.
* Scal - don't have to worry about him having another team sign him, he's entertaining and knows the game and players
* Toine - he's a Celtic at heart and god knows he needs a job
* Tommy - he's great at the game but may be looking for something a little less strenuous.
* Cousy - if they could coax him out of Florida (not likely) he always has some good insights into the game and players
* Jimmy Toscano - hey, let's get a little CelticBlog representation here. 

Thoughts on who else would be a good candidate?

Hoping this is true.  Not a fan of Donny at all.  Actually have come to hate his commentary over time.  Thank you Celtics gods!

[clover]

I like Max a lot. Funny, knows the game and isn't always a homer. Donny was pretty bad, He never learned that it was alright to have over 2 seconds without him interjecting something worthless.

Max would be fine, if 1) he'd quit with the "Quack" thing, and 2) he'd stop saying stupid stuff (i.e., Dirk is better than Larry) just to get attention.

Well he's never been particually fond of Larry so he does say some stupid stuff about him, but what is this Quack thing of which you speak?

It's one of Max's catch phrases.  On the radio broadcasts, he launches into this stupid "Quack, quack, quack, QUUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKK" thing.

I love Max, but that's the most annoying thing on radio!

[Neurotic Guy]

I like Donny.  Thought his insights were often spot on and I thought (like anyone in this role will need to) he was gradually growing into the role.  Prediction: some of those who dislike Donny will like him better once he's gone and they experience his replacement.

That said, I like Dana Barros a little, I like Michael Smith a lot, and I think Ryen Rusillo would be great.

I also have a surprise suggestion:  Lou Merloni. 
I am continually impressed with his ability to communicate cleary, the thoughtfulness of his comments, and at the natural, respectful rapport he establishes with colleaues and callers.  I get the impression that he is a quick study and a hard worker.  I realize he is a baseball guy, but he seems an astute sports fan and probably has some history with organized basketball.   But, I realize CSN will likely want someone perceived to be a 'real' basketball guy. 

[Greenbean]

I like Donny.  Thought his insights were often spot on and I thought (like anyone in this role will need to) he was gradually growing into the role.  Prediction: some of those who dislike Donny will like him better once he's gone and they experience his replacement.

That said, I like Dana Barros a little, I like Michael Smith a lot, and I think Ryen Rusillo would be great.

I also have a surprise suggestion:  Lou Merloni. 
I am continually impressed with his ability to communicate cleary, the thoughtfulness of his comments, and at the natural, respectful rapport he establishes with colleaues and callers.  I get the impression that he is a quick study and a hard worker.  I realize he is a baseball guy, but he seems an astute sports fan and probably has some history with organized basketball.   But, I realize CSN will likely want someone perceived to be a 'real' basketball guy. 

The problem I have with Donny is he was BORING with a capital B.

He rarely changed the inflection of is voice regardless of the situation. He was the polar opposite of tommy who still brings excittement and energy to the broadcast. He was OKAY in the studio, but I couldnt stand him in the booth.

I couldnt agree with you more about Sweet Lou...that guy was born to be in broadcasting. You are right though. He is not a great hire as a bball guy. He will soon be on national baseball shows though. I can guarantee that.

[thirstyboots18]

Dee Brown is somebody who I think will be really good with some more experience.  I know he won that gig with ESPN; is he doing anything presently?

I just saw this thread, Roy, and Dee Brown immediately came to mind!  TP

[snively]

Donny did terrible color commentary.  He was smooth but devoid of insight, personality, passion and humor.  He had a self-satisfied air, as well.  Send him to ESPN.

I'd love Bill Raftery.  Didn't he do a game for us last year?  Great rapport with Gorman, easygoing insights, brings some grandfatherliness to the air which is a nice variation on Tommy's crazy uncle vibe, good guy all around.