ESPN’s First Take recently took a jibe at the Milwaukee Bucks and other teams in the current NBA Playoffs, which are considered to be small markets.
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The 2021 NBA Playoffs have been the year for the younger generation of the NBA. The likes of Trae Young, Devin Booker, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Donovan Mitchell have put the league on notice proving that the NBA is in safe hands going into the future.
The 2021 Playoffs are one of the rarest cases that have seen the absence of some of the biggest names in the league, which include LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
None of the current four teams in the conference finals have won an NBA championship in the last 50 years with the Suns and Clippers, who have never won a championship in franchise history.
Thus making the 2021 NBA playoffs a great opportunity for these teams to make it to the limelight that is usually enjoyed by big market franchises such as New York, Miami, and the major cities of California.
The Milwaukee Bucks hit back at the crew of ESPN’s First Take with an open letter
During a recent episode of First Take, former NFL player Damien Woody poked fun at analyst Stephen A. Smith for going to have to cover the NBA finals in small cities.
Smith, who has time and again mentioned over the years his aspiration to cover the NBA finals in LA and Miami. The ESPN analyst very evidently made his reluctance of going to cities such as Milwaukee and Phoenix felt on the show.
This was followed by the host of the show Molly Qerim calling these cities terrible that had co-panelist Max Kellerman, interrupt telling Molly she didn’t mean that.
Smith even went on to say how much he rooted for the Atlanta Hawks and LA Clippers to win, throwing shots at Milwaukee and Phoenix indirectly.
This would eventually lead to the Milwaukee Bucks responding with an open letter that stated
“When’s the last time you were in Milwaukee? Must be a while. I would love to personally give you a tour. Our eclectic and exciting neighborhoods, one of the best dining scenes in the country, and our spectacular Lake Michigan waterfront, you’ll experience it all.
Oh, by the way, Milwaukeans (sic) are very nice. Look forward to hearing from you.”
The First Take episode in focus clearly reflects poorly on the crew of the show. As they clearly stepped out of line trying to belittle a city for having a small market.
The brand ESPN is globally recognized and viewed by millions across the world. Such statements by reputed analysts clearly give a bad name to these small cities, which are trying to find a holding in the competitive sporting world.
