Lawson was one of the first women to serve as a primary TV analyst for an NBA teamNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
In DC, Scott Allen notes Wizards TV analyst Kara Lawson has "resigned her role" with NBC Sports Washington after agreeing to become an assistant coach with the Celtics next season. Lawson "became one of the first women to serve as a primary TV analyst for an NBA team when NBCSW hired her to replace Phil Chenier" in '17-18. Her departure further clouds the team's broadcast situation, as long-time play-by-play man Steve Buckhantz' future with the RSN remains "in doubt" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/28).
SUNDAY BEST: In Albany, Pete Dougherty noted CBS' Andrew Catalon will make his debut as the "18th-hole announcer next week for the 3M Open," the new PGA Tour event outside Minneapolis. Catalon will "fill in for Jim Nantz on CBS coverage on Saturday and Sunday." He will "serve a similar role for Golf Channel at the John Deere Classic" the following week, though he will "not be on the CBS crew" then (TIMESUNION.com, 6/27).
REPORT CARD: In Boston, Chad Finn writes WEEI'-FMs "rotating cast" of announcers during Red Sox games this season has "worked quite well." But it is "a lot to ask" of play-by-play man Joe Castiglione, there has been a "noticeably more conversational tone to the broadcasts." Finn writes he "cannot exaggerate how satisfying it has been to hear" Sean McDonough call games again. He gave McDonough a grade of A+ and writes, "This whole experiment has been worthwhile just to hear this." Meanwhile, Chris Berman earned a D, as he "meandered so much during the three games he called in May with Castiglione that they sometimes had to catch up to the action on the field" (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/28).
NOTES: Former NBAer Antonio Daniels officially has been introduced as the Pelicans' new color analyst on FS New Orleans. He replaces David Wesley, who filled that role “for the last seven seasons.” Daniels had been part of the Thunder's broadcast team for FS Oklahoma and FS Southwest “over the last four years” (THEADVOCATE.com, 6/28)….The ACC Network has hired FS Wisconsin Bucks sideline reporter Katie George to serve as a reporter and studio anchor (ESPN).
