Compared with other NBA teams, the Indiana Pacers don’t seem to be a traditional media darling. But people in the industry have to talk about them a lot this time as Indiana is just one of four teams still in contention for an NBA title in the 2023-24 NBA season.
Earlier in the season, when the Pacers were displaying a high-octane offense that troubled NBA teams, former Golden State Warriors sniper Tim Legler wanted to talk more about Indiana. But it seemed that whenever he suggested doing that, he did not get much affirmation from the high-ups at ESPN.
“And I wish I had video of all the meetings I’ve been in this year at ESPN when I wanted to talk more about the Indiana Pacers. Particularly after they got Siakam…aaaand it’s just not sexy enough,” Legler told The Ringer’s Ryen Russillo.
It shouldn’t be that way, but ESPN must be making decisions based on what a bunch of numbers and data say about what subjects click or what doesn’t usually become a hit among their target demographic or market.
Fans React to Tim Legler’s Take on Media’s View of the Indiana Pacers
“I don’t understand why the argument is “not sexy enough.” If the Pacers style of basketball isn’t getting you amped up to watch hoops, then what are people wanting to watch then??? One on one isolation plays? Foul baiting and free throw shooting? This is AWESOME BALL TO WATCH”
“ESPN fully jumped the shark when they started The Heat Index and only covered the Heat for 4 straight years.”
“One thing I don’t understand is the media talks about San Antonio, Minnesota, OKC, Portland, when Dame was there in particular, Milwaukee. All small markets but yet they never want to talk Indy but only downplay at every turn. Hey media what did Indiana ever do to deserve this?”
“I agree with the dude that said ESPN needs to lose the NBA rights. Please Mr. Silver and Co change it up. Get rid of woke female announcers in the process.. A media company that would give the fans what they really want.”
“People acting like espn hasn’t been like this for forever. The same goes for college. Grow up in Tucson and tell me espn doesn’t have bias and drive that bias to make it greater. It’s been their MO for 30 years”
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