New Orleans Pelicans: The league should follow the Pelicans’ lead

No. 1 Put it on the larger networks

It’s shocking ESPN hasn’t hopped on this idea like flies on you-know-what. The network is on top of the sports world, has been for decades and has already rebroadcast the 2006 Rose Bowl between the Vince Young-led Texas Longhorns and Reggie Bush’s USC Trojans. While there was no current analysis, sports fans everywhere turned out in droves to see the instant classic be replayed.

While garnering rights from other networks and scheduling members of different franchises might not be the easiest thing in the world, the Disney affiliate would only benefit from such an idea.

The local networks can survive with GMs, lesser-known coaches and players, but the mother network has a much larger pull. ESPN could, and should try to get anyone and everyone they would want to be a part of a rebroadcast. Why not try to get LeBron James? Why not try to get Giannis Antetokounmpo or Stephen Curry? Why not see if Phil Jackson is available?

If anything, the network should see this as an opportunity to scout for future color-commentary talent. Consider the current status of ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcasts. Joe Tessitore is plenty capable, but not comparable to Mike Tirico’s play-by-play capabilities. We all know Booger McFarland, too. But there’s no need to get into that.

After TNT took All-Star Weekend and added the likes of Myles Turner and Donovan Mitchell to the broadcast of the USA vs. The World Rising Stars game, one would think ESPN would jump at the chance to build relationships with the young guys now in order to add them to their team later.

The network’s broadcasts are pretty entertaining as it currently sits. It’s hard not to be with Mike Breen leading the way. However, ESPN should start their search now, and this is an excellent shot at doing so.