Nets fans don’t need to be reminded the franchise has had its share of struggles through the years. Julius Erving’s two ABA titles are barely visible in the rearview mirror, leaving only New Jersey’s two Jason Kidd-led back-to-back finals appearances right after the turn of the century as the franchise’s high point since joining the NBA.
But that’s all expected to take a back seat now that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are both healthy and ready to go for the start of the 2020-21 season — which is set to begin on December 22.
Yet, one person who’s been a fixture of Nets basketball broadcasts won’t get to experience Brooklyn’s expected run in the manner which he should.
According to Phil Mushnick of the New York Post, YES Network is “dumping” Jim Spanarkel.
How — when the team is expected to be at its height with one of the best players in the history of the sport on the roster — do you let someone who’s been on the call throughout the good, bad and ugly go after 30 years?
As Mushnick notes, Spanarkel has a clean record. So, if this is all YES’s decision, there’s no excuse other than an extreme lack of loyalty.
Of course Spanarkel’s role changed over the years. That’s part of the business.
And yes, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a lot of businesses to make tough decisions. But to remove Spanarkel completely, not even giving him a crack at breaking down Nets games with Durant and Irving together?
You’d think 30 years on the job would guarantee a better ending — especially when there’s so much potential for one.