"NBA on CBS" Intro vs. "NBA on NBC" Intro Part 1

[bakerandbaker1]

Innovations like games of HORSE between star NBA players at halftime and the ABA inspired dunk contest at the Allstar game rarely produced star winners and were replaced with human interest shows about players and a basketball fundamentals show called Red Auerbach on Roundball hosted by the Hall of Fame Celtics coach.

[bakerandbaker1]

After three off days due to concerns over low ratings, CBS started a game of the '76 Finals in Pheonix at 10:30 local time to the outrage of clergy, and cut away from the trophy presentation of the clinching game of the '77 Finals to televise the Kemper Open.

[bakerandbaker1]

From '75 to '86 they aired playoff games on tape delay, including all finals games from '79-'81, neglecting to broadcast some conference final games, cutting back due to fear of too much basketball on television at once, as NBC carried NCAA games and local stations produced their own telecasts of pro and college teams. CBS also eliminated regional coverage, opting for a Sunday double header.

[bakerandbaker1]

The NBA's tinkering with the schedule, causing NBA playoff games to end on weeknights during sweeps, was the main source of these problems. Even then, they had comparable depth at PBP with NBC (Bender, Gumbel, Lundquist and Stockton vs Albert, Enberg and Gumbel) and better analysts (Hubie Brown, Collins, and Elmore vs Fratello and Collins), plus NBC's modern intros and music just seemed a little...overhyped, and rushed. The point: ABC, CBS, NBC all have had the NBA for longer than justified.

[spurs01ful]

A good representation of both intros but too long. Much more excellent than ABC for sucking like balls.

[Knightmessenger]

I wish you had posted one after the other instead of intercutting them.

That said, do you think you could post the intro for the Pistons game?

[HTFFuturamaFan]

ABC has been biased towards NBA teams, ever since they signed on as ESPN on ABC.

[DENNISPUPPY]

Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy need to be FIRED. They are a bunch of over grown babies

[DENNISPUPPY]

ABC/ESPN is contaminating the league.

[Fanik8]

@DENNISPUPPY ESPN on ABC SUCKS ASS!!!!

[DENNISPUPPY]

i wish there was the NBA get out of this TVcontract. David Stern should ask Bud Selig how he got out of the Baseball Night in America deal

[petesteeler]

NBA on CBS has a better song easily. Better basketball in the 80's

[kgoundan]

Everything about the NBA on ABC sucks. The theme, the announcements, everything. It was so much better on NBC (and CBS before that) and it got me interested in basketball. Please bring it back to NBC, with everything they had before, but broadcast in HD to make it even better!

[knchen]

Wow, I didn't know there would be such differences of opinion! CBS's version is so far superior to NBC's that there should be no question which is better. NBC's is just a cheap knock-off of CBS's version-- a cheap, labored, incomplete knock-off without a catchy theme. I've never found myself humming NBC's theme, but I often did with CBS's.

[generatorx]

I like the NBA on NBC version by John Tesh much more.

[redskins2k]

NBC was better. CBS was great. But their production is a little too old school. You need to catch up with the times. NBA is still current to this day. NBC had better production ,cameras and intros.

CBS is still behind the teams with their NFL production.

[ls14]

i agree with you, but also both networks did a great job broadcasting NBA games, because now you see it on ABC and it"s horrible. 2 thumbs up for both CBS and NBC. NBA ON ABC stinks.

[DENNISPUPPY]

can 2016 please hurry and get here ? that is when ABC will lose the NBA..I dont see any logical way that David Stern will pitch another package to ABC/ESPN. I am sure TNT/TBS will always be involved. Ever since abc sports became espn on abc, coverage has gone from bad to horrible. ESPN anchors cant even speak english. they speak ghetto

[retroguy1976]

@ls14 abc/espn is awful

[ace11rothstein]

The old school is what made the NBA on CBS good. It's the "new schooling" of the NBA that is killing the sport.

[jabronikiller]

cbs sux dick

[ace11rothstein]

BTW, anyone younger than 25 shouldn't get to vote! You CLEARLY did not grow up with the NBA on CBS so you can't make a fair comparison.

[mackcrusher]

Well, sir, if I may say something?

Sorry, I didn't grow up with the NBA on CBS; thus my preference for the NBA on NBC [which I didn't start watching until I was eight]. But I really don't think it's fair to compare apples and oranges; nor does it make a difference now--the NBA is not as great as it was during either network's run. For me, it's not about simply CBS or NBC, but the whole sports organization in general. The attitudes, playing quality, and intensity were much better back then...

[mackcrusher]

...and I'm pretty sure you'll agree. I can tell you prefer basketball in the 80's. Yet I'm curious--would it have made a difference if NBC broadcast NBA games in the 80s and CBS in the 90s? Would they still not have caught each era's superstars (Bird, Jordan, Magic) at their best?

[ace11rothstein]

The CBS production of the NBA was better from theme song to announcers to coverage. It was partly due to the NBA going to NBC that the league started to decline.

[mackcrusher]

You are free to disagree if you may, sir, but it's pointless to argue about the best network for the NBA. We should get the NBA to raise its standards and the morale of its players, coaches, executives...and referees. Then the flagship network for the NBA can become a major concern. [At this point, anything but ABC will do.]

No disrespect towards your opinion, sir, but please don't criticize everyone who thinks NBA on NBC was the best. Everyone has their views as well. All due respect to CBS.

[ace11rothstein]

I can criticize the opinion because it's not a fair one. Qite frankly, if you didn't grow up with the NBA on CBS, then your stating of "The NBA on NBC is better" lacks validity. What's next? Titanic is the greatest movie of all time? Britney Spears is the greatest singer?

[mackcrusher]

How is it not fair, sir? Can't I even speak? I just said that I prefer the NBA on NBC, not that it was better. As great as CBS' coverage was, I just can't feel the emotions and intensity of the NBA on CBS because I never got to see it live. If it weren't for YouTube, I would never get to see any games.

Sorry we weren't all born when you were, sir. Otherwise, we'd probably agree. Then again, not everyone who did watch the NBA on CBS would agree that it was the better network. Same with NBC.

[ace11rothstein]

So by your logic, it's okay that someone who is 8 y.o. stating that the NBA on ABC is the best. The fact is that a bunch of 18 y.o. are voting the NBA on NBC as best when they never experienced the NBA on CBS.

And you claim the NBA on NBC was emotional but other than Marv Albert, everyone was utterly unemotional.

[redsoxandpats]

NBA ON NBC = GREATEST INTRO EVER!!

[ace11rothstein]

All those who love the NBC theme more just love John Tesh!!!!

NBA on CBS's theme is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY better.

[nathanpillay41]

hahahahaha you know, i've always found it funny, when non-funny people try to be comedians.

[ace11rothstein]

Then why aren't you making yourself laugh?

[nathanpillay41]

haha that's a good point. i guess you got me.

i think part of the reason that people like the NBA on NBC theme better is because of the memories that were built during that era (jordan, miller, hakeem, payton, shaq-kobe, etc.)

being the music nerd that i am, i still like the NBC theme better, but i have to admit myself that the CBS theme is very good.

[ace11rothstein]

The 90s NBA was just about the worst decade in its history. The game slowed down to a screeching halt and the already watered down teams got worse.

I will say this, Marv Albert was and is the best NBA announcer out there and the one thing I take from the relatively horrible NBC years is Marv's great NBA voice.

But CBS's coverage with Musberger and Stockton was tremendous and the NBA on CBS theme song is the best sports theme song I ever heard.

[nathanpillay41]

well, like i said, i'm a music nerd, and i always take a different approach to theme songs than the average sports fan.

as for your thoughts on the 90's, well, let's just say i disagree in a respectful way.

[TheAdmiral50]

NBA on NBC is the best intro to any north american sport

[johnjms2]

Just look at the other NBA on CBS intro's. CBS had the BEST NBA coverage. It's never been the same since the classic days on CBS.

[kdukes865]

Just let the nba on nbc keep playing.

[milkdud676]

I like how the CBS intro works hand in hand with the narration, which really focused on the game ahead. NBC always used a separate often very creative intros that were really effective in creating a backstory followed by the attention grabbing peacock. Both were great and really reflected their eras, its pathetic that this cannot be duplicated in today's game. NBA coverage no longer has any class...

[NPTrojans24]

Sign the petition. Bring back the NBA on NBC. Please. Let's come together as one and make a statement and climb our way to the top and get the most signatures.

(Petitiononline . com / 0072408)

[ace11rothstein]

Change "NBC" to "CBS" and I'll sign.

[justboycrazy45]

@NPTrojans24 I signed your petition!

[verbalhigh]

nbc is hands down better imo

[casheasy]

I loved both of these themes. I used to get pumped when hearing either music playing and knowing a big game was about to begin. Thanks for these.

[pleasant77]

Die hard Piston, why not just say the Pistons got punished in '91(sweep 4-0) and the classless Isiah and company left before the final buzzer, no excuses and motown boys were an 80's team they closed the decade, Da Bulls dominated the 90's. (6 titles)

[LosFace55]

Both of these intros were awesome. I totally agree that the NBA on CBS was more of the Lakers Celtics since it was the 80s. NBA on NBC was ruled by Michael Jordan. Then once again by the Shaq/Kobe led Lakers to close out the NBA on NBC. I cannot say which one is better. They both had good intros leading into their theme songs. The NBA on CBS was more of a retro sound. Whilethe NBA on NBC was a modern sound. Still, love both of them.

[bkahler419]

brent musberger is the man.

[Mrsuga]

NBC has a better intro more upbeat

[davidbehman]

there both better than ABC

[3DStoneCt]

I like CBS better. NBC was all about 23 while CBS was about the entire NBA.

[jaboo82681]

True because when NBC came along Jordan was the dominate figure, and when CBS was in business the league was more balanced

[3DStoneCt]

Exactly! The NBA has been bad since because there's no celebration of actual teams nor has there been since Jordan won. Everybody knows Jordan was a one man team; he had help but the Bulls wouldn't have one any rings without him. Jordan ran the city and made Pippen's career. Mike was everything and now the NBA is about one named stars who have no complete name.

[HuskerFanatic]

Yet another bitter Pistons fan who can't accept that M.J. OWNED Detroit during the 90s. Maybe you and Bill Laimbeer should commiserate together.

[3DStoneCt]

First of all Jordan didn't own the Pistons during the 90's. Detroit wasn't even competitive after 1991 when they got rid of Vinnie Johnson and James Edwards; once they got rid of those guys, the rivalry was over. Secondly, Detroit beat Chicago 3 straight years and would destroy them during the year. The only season Chicago won (1991), the NBA had to change the rules and Thomas missed 34 games with surgery on his wrist and they still won 50 and went to the ECF.

[3DStoneCt]

If Isiah is healthy playing an 82 game schedule, Detroit most likely wins 64 games and owns Chicago in the playoffs. In 1991, the Bulls only won the season series 3-2 and Thomas missed the game in March. Also, I find it ironic Thomas hurt his wrist when he's the President of the Players Association and he's killing Jordan every year. Maybe Isiah didn't want to throw games like Stern wanted, so the NBA changed the rules making it a more softer style of game through the flagrant foul rules.

[themurph2000]

Oh, give it up, willya? Sheesh, the NBA rigging the '85 lottery is a more plausible conspiracy theory. If you even went through the history, you'd know the Bulls started preparing for the '91 championship the day after the '90s ECF were done. Just live with the fact that the Bulls won 6 titles and the Pistons have only won 3 collectively.

At least the Pistons were gracious about it in '91 and shook hands after Game 4. Oh, that's right: THEY DIDN'T.

[3DStoneCt]

There's a lot of evidence to back up what I'm saying but here's a few things: 1. Before the 1990-91 season the NBA instituted the flagrant foul rule due to the result of game 7 of the 1990 ECF and Phil Jackson and Jordan complaining about the Pistons' style. 2. The guy who instituted the rule was Rod Thorne--who drafted Jordan in 1984. That doesn't smell like a conspiracy to you? Also, Isiah was President of the Players Association in the 80's and early 90's and he fought David Stern to...

[3DStoneCt]

make sure the players received a huge percentage of TV revenue and also fought to make sure players give a less percentage of their money to agents. 3. Isiah is defeating the NBA's number one marketing product each year--Jordan. 4. Thomas is also not a politician and is beating Magic and Bird by 1990. 5. The NBA didn't like the Pistons' style of play because it's not marketable which is why they instituted the flagrant foul rule, making the game more of a finess style--a Chicago style of play...

[3DStoneCt]

Now why would the NBA institute a rule which takes away from a more physical style-of-play (Detroit's style) and lends itself toward a more finess style-of-play (Chicago's style); because remember the flagrant foul rule was a rule which stated if you fouled someone hard, the refs could give teams two shots and the ball or a possible ejection. The flagrant foul rule made the game more political. Now why wasn't this rule instiuted in the 80's?...

[3DStoneCt]

Howcome the flagrant foul rule wasn't instituted during the 80's when the game was a lot more physical? I'll tell you why: Because Jordan is the number one moneymaker for the NBA and his style cannot defeat the Pistons so he and Jackson complain, the league changes the rules and Jordan wins the following year. Now looking at it objectively, you cannot say that's a coincidence. Isiah was beating Jordan on the court and Stern in the negotiations. Why do you think Detroit walked off the court? LOL

[themurph2000]

Uh, moron patrol. THomas and Jordan don't even play AGAINST each other one-on-one. In case you forgot, Isiah's a point guard and Jordan's a shooting guard. Dumars had to take on Jordan, and Chuck Daly would have been an idiot to put the weaker defender on Jordan. Also, if you're theory is supposedly true, how did the Pistons win ANY championships with Showtime alive and well in L.A.  And if it was all about the money, why didn't the series go 7 games?

[joekfranklin]

You're right on one thing. The NBA changed the rules because people were tired of seeing the Pistons rape the game of basketball. It wasn't just for Jordan's benefit; it was for the good of the game. Besides the 90s were way more phyiscal than the 80s (compare Heat-Kicks vs Pistons-Lakers and its no contest.)

[3DStoneCt]

You just proved my point. If the Knicks of the 90's were more physical than Detroit, why change the rules to help Jordan win? I mean come on. Even Phil Jackson said the 1992 Pistons were more physical than the 1992 Knicks and the 1992 Pistons didn't have Edwards and Vinnie Johnson. The Knicks were just bad--couldn't score and really didn't make a difference outside of being competitive. What did they do? NOTHING!!!!! They got nothing to show for it and don't use Jordan as an excuse.

[themurph2000]

And if Rod Thorn was so concerned, the rule would have been enacted in 1988, when the Bulls-Pistons rivalry got going. Oh, and the Bulls were all finesse, right? Bill Cartwright, Horace Grant, they were finesse players? Do you even KNOW the players on either team?

Oliver Stone called, he wants his little black notebook back.

[SFFOOL76]

I think NBC did a great job, but it is so true that JORDAN was so dominant during the NBC era. You could counter argue that CBS coverage consisted of only the LAKER/CELTICS because it was mainly in the 80's.

I like your point though, however one thing we all agree on is no one likes ABC's coverage of the NBA.

[madmaxninja]

You are gay. The CBS theme had no power in its theme. That was a gay crappy theme song. The NBA ON NBC was powerful. You are a faggot.

Anyone that likes NBA ON CBS or anything on ABC is a gay faggot.