Installment #38 in Monolisticle's Ongoing Campaign Against the "Internet of Endless Listicles."
Back up the money truck, and open the doors. It's time Doris Burke got her "max contract."
We can debate all day long about which analyst is the very best in sports, but one thing is undebatable: Doris Burke is certainly one of the best at what she does. And the best sports analysts, like the best NBA talent, deserve max contracts. Period.
And before anyone starts lecturing me about the economics of value and compensation, I understand fully well how it works. I have an economics degree. Which is why, to me, her compensation is so absurd. The NBA and the big networks that cover the NBA have money coming out their tube socks. It’s time to show some of that big money to Doris Burke.
I'm not going to get into salary comparisons with her peers. I only mention Tony Romo because he is currently the highest paid game commentator. And I'm sure he's worth every penny. He got his, and good for him. But this isn't about him. This is about Doris Burke.
Subscribe to monolisticle for free weekly articles on art, culture, music, food, travel, and entertainment. Not all the things. Only the best things.
I’ve been a fan of hers since pre-Drake (due credit, by the way, to Drake for helping to shine an early bright light on her talents). As a lifelong basketball player and fan of the game, it didn’t take me long to realize that her game analysis and commentary is on a whole other level. Not to mention her enthusiasm. Has there ever been an analyst who so clearly loves basketball? The truth is, she would probably do her job for free. And relative to what many of her counterparts are making, she kind of is doing it for free.
She knows her stuff. Hers aren’t just the insights and opinions of a former player (which she is); they are the insights and opinions of a former player who excelled through more than just athleticism. Her world-class insight into the game is abundantly apparent. I wasn’t surprised at all to learn that she was the all-time assist leader at Providence. Anyone who knows basketball knows assist leaders possess a special understanding of the game. And her keen understanding translates fully to her commentary.
I’ll end with this: where is Doris Burke’s $17 million? Or $10 million? Or even $5 million? I’m not sure how many years are left on her contract, but a pre-emptive contract extension wouldn’t only be the fair and just move, it would also be the smart business move as she approaches "free agency," and as more of the world learns what Drake, her peers, and countless NBA players and fans already know: she's the real deal.
If you enjoyed this article, please click the Facebook or Twitter icons at the bottom of this page and share it with others. You'll be helping to support our work, and the work of the artists, restaurants, cultural institutions, and experiences we write about. And we all certainly need the support right now. Thank you!
@heyDB
@espn
@champagnepapi
@kingjames
@easymoneysniper
@joelembiid
To unsubscribe, email monolisticle@monolisticle.com
Comments