SI grades Hawks broadcasters

[Plainview1981]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writ...ades/index.html

B+

Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks

Bob Rathbun, Steve Smith

Rathbun is an energetic guy, calls a good game and isn't afraid to discuss the opposing team's fits and follies, probably because the opponent's weaknesses are an altogether finer sort of fodder than Atlanta's perpetual ineptitude. Smitty tends to lean heavily on comparisons with his playing days to fill airtime, but he knows the game and will get better as he develops more go-to material. Rathbun has a lot going against him -- a lousy team, a rookie partner and next to no home atmosphere -- but he manages to rise above it and make Hawks games a lot more interesting than they should be.

[macdaddy]

Rathbun deserves a ton of credit. He is a great annoucer for the Hawks and Braves. His preperation is kind of incredible considering he works constantly.

I like Smitty. I hope he stays for a long time.

[tmac13]

Rathbun blows..The Bob Neal telecasts are MUCH better..Rathbun is straight out of cheesy sportscaster school.

[Plainview1981]

Bob Neal? lol He's horrible. Isn't he the one that can't even remember the players names?

[tmac13]

Bob Neal is a great broadcaster and has been for years..

[Dakin]

yea, I think you should be able to get players names right every now and then to be considered great. I like Bob neal, but its very annoying that he constantly says the wrong name.

[capstone21]

I think Tommy Heinshen is the worst announcer ever after Bob Cousey. I think he is too biased and those bloody tommy points drive me nuts.

[beenthere]

Bob Neal is a has been who can't get the names of the players straight or keep up with the pace of the game. He's like listening to the late Harry Caray do Cubs games. They were both great in their prime.

[macdaddy]

I like Bob Neal but the only difference is that Rathbun never screws up. Bob Neal doesn't sound like a cheesy sportscaster because he's much older and screws up a lot.

[tmac13]

I think I went sour on Rathbun because a few years back the morning guys on 790 the zone did some hilarious skits with Rathbun and the Stinger going to strip clubs and such..Rathbun got pissed and to this day refuses to go on 790 ..

[Plastic Man]

guess u haven't heard the heat announcers worship dwayne wade. the tommy points are annoying but those heat guys are the worst.

[er9dverk]

got to agree with you tmac. i like rathbun, but i have a hard time listening to him. if he would just be himself he would be fine.

two braves announcers - pete van wierin, don sutton, are some of the best i have ever heard in any sport. very knowledgeable, love the game, totally act themselves with no put-on.

[uga2006]

Rathburn does about every sports game Fox sports south televises. He does a damn good job with the Braves and Hawks. I really like Smitty, he really knows the game and like the fans he can point out the obvious. Hawks need bigs who can board and control the post. We also need a decent point. We don't need a great point b/c JJ can carry the load sometimes. Cassell would be perfect. I wonder if we could trade for Brendon Haywood.

[Dragitoff]

I think Bob got so upset about that because I believe he is a devout Christian (I think I read that somewhere) and I could understand how that skit would have looked bad on him.

[Duff_Man]

What I like about Smitty and Bob is the fact that they give a fair shake to all teams. Anyone who has the NBA Package can attest to the fact that a lot of the announcers are absolute homers and it is annoying.

Smitty: "Woooooooohooooohoooooo". He needs to work on that.