Commentators and reporters are CONTRACTUALLY BOUND to talk about the same 10 people and teams. A couple of months ago someone's script on the TV crew even said 'Since I am contractually bound to report on the LA Lakers...' and then he went on to report on how BAD the Lakers suck instead of reporting on the surprising and rising Warriors or the Rockets rise from the ashes, or on taking dumps in a field of garden gnomes that seemed to mumble as they did it.
Don't believe that they are purchased? See: Tiger Woods, Kobe, Lebron, TO, Danica Patrick, 10 minute segments dedicated to the HEAT on NBA tonight, 5 minutes dedicated to the Lakers, w/ 30 seconds to 10 other teams (yet they call it NBA tonight as if to represent the whole organization).
ESPN sold out long ago. I have been trying to purposefully avoid watching ESPN to not support the trash. I cast my vote elsewhere and they lose money on me when they otherwise would have made some.
It's a bummer that there are no real alternatives on TV. Talking Sports is a'ight, but FULL of commercials. So, I watch NBA.com highlights for specific games or TNT and NBA TV when it's free. Much better reporting.
PS. ESPN... Give me the reverse cowboy after a french tickler warm up please.