The NBA world mourned the loss of basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo last month and Stan Van Gundy wanted to make sure the Hall of Famer was recognized during TNT Sports’ season-opening broadcast Tuesday night.
Unfortunately, the timing could have been better.
Early on in the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves, announcer Ian Eagle was discussing T’Wolves star Rudy Gobert, noting that the four-time Defensive Player of the Year shared that honor with “Mutombo and [Ben] Wallace.”
That seemed like the perfect moment for commentary partner Van Gundy to chime in with some kind words about Mutombo.
“Of course, the NBA world just had a tough loss with Dikembe Mutumbo’s passing,” he said as the broadcast moved to a wide shot and a Kia logo appeared at the bottom of the screen.
Before Van Gundy could continue his tribute, Eagle swooped in and made sure the ad read for “the official automotive partner of the NBA” that obviously needed to happen was completed.
Some kind words for Dikembe Mutombo as well as some kind words for the Kia Telluride X-Line. pic.twitter.com/07z2qERRTp
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 23, 2024
Eagle immediately transitioned to follow up on Van Gundy’s thoughts, adding that it was “terrible news” and that Dikembe was “an ambassador for the game.”
“He’s meant so much to the game of basketball,” Eagle said.
Chalk this one up to some really awkward timing. It was obvious that the broadcast was using the moment between free throws to get in an ad read and Van Gundy probably should have been more aware. Eagle seemed to recognize that he was gonna have to power through and do the read despite the uncomfortable timing but was also able to immediately bring things back.
Ultimately, he did his best in a very awkward situation and everyone’s intentions were clear.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.