MasterIchiro wrote:Martin is not a basketball expert but I believe his exuberance has a place in entertainment. He is like an overexcited kid and you can sense him rooting while he covers games in play-by-play. He's not the most accurate or informed guy but he's thoroughly mediagenic and has a flair for the dramatic. He's no Dick Vitale but Dick Vitale made a living on drama and sensationalism and genuine enthusiasm for players and potential. Vitale loved Chris Paul coming out of Wake and I remember him saying that knocks on his height were unfounded and he was really trying to sell him to teams. Now granted he's not some kind of genius but he helps sell the game. And like it or not so does Martin. I take exception to the bashing of him because I taught his daughter and have met his wife and they're a really nice family. It's always been said Dick Vitale is extremely genuine when you meet him in person. There's an honesty in his (many) imperfection(s) and human quality to his theatrics despite his buffoonery.
The guy is a diehard Bobcats fans and if you flicked a camera on yourself and tried to win an audience, most people would have a hard time attracting attention or engaging people.
Understanding you have a personal connect, you obviously have personal feelings - I respect that. However, you have to understand that "Uncle Steve" bashing has a long, long tradition on this board. We all love "Uncle Steve" here, know he's a diehard fan, and giving him the business is the way we show our love. Personally, the only way I would want to see him go is when Steph is Ready.
This being said, I've watched about 75% of the games on LP for the last umpteen years, and this year in particular he does seem a tad more off his game. Not sure why, but it's noticeable.
