TNT debuted its "NBA Forever" promo that melds "past NBA legends in photos and footage with contemporary stars" before the Celtics-Knicks game Sunday, and if it is "not the greatest commercial in the history of the NBA, I've forgotten anything better," according to Chad Finn of the BOSTON GLOBE. No other ad "quite measures up to 'NBA Forever,' in part because the point in the others isn't as meaningful." Finn: "They're all selling something, but with this commercial, TNT has done a masterful job of using nostalgia and rich history to remind even a Grinch still angry about the lockout that the NBA's return is a welcome present." Some of the highlights of the spot include Celtics F Paul Pierce "jogging out of the tunnel with the dynasty Celtics of the late '50s or early '60s," Lakers G Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson "paired together" and former Celtics F Larry Bird "ducking the shoulder into" Mavericks F Dirk Nowitzki (
BOSTON.com, 12/25). NBCSPORTS.com's Rob Mahoney wrote the "understated music and clever editing is enough to soften the heart of even the coldest basketball purist, the most detached internet cynic, and the most jaded of NBA fans." The concept of the ad is "simple enough," though the "restraint in this particular spot is what grants it such incredible power." Instead of tapping "into the highlight vein," fans are "given a feed of undistinguished moments in an adjacent basketball universe." Mahoney: "Tim Duncan casually chats with Bill Walton. Amar'e Stoudemire rides the high of a dunk by chest bumping Patrick Ewing" (
NBCSPORTS.com, 12/26). DEADSPIN's Timothy Burke wrote "everyone's favorite part" seems to be Bulls Gs Michael Jordan and Derrick Rose sharing a fistbump, though he is "more partial to Jerry Lucas boxing out Kevin Love" (
DEADSPIN.com, 12/25). BUSINESSINSIDER.com's Cork Gaines wrote under the header, "Here Is The Amazing NBA Video That Is Making Everybody Forget About The Lockout" (
BUSINESSINSIDER.com, 12/26).
