Doug Collins makes Clipse-Birdman reference (Video)

Doug Collins makes Clipse-Birdman reference during pre-game show (Video)

Nov 9, 2013; Evanston, IL, USA; Doug Collins a former NBA coach and father of Northwestern Wildcats head coach Chris Collins watches the game during the second half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The Northwestern Wildcats defeated the Eastern Illinois Panthers 72-55. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

The pre-game show on ESPN doesn’t generate the type of reactions as TNT “Inside the NBA” does. While they provide the knowledge, the grouping of Sage Steele, Doug Collins, Bill Simmons, and Jalen Rose lack the personality that Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal delivery on a nightly basis.

ESPN’s group lacks the personality, the jokes, and the spunk that TNT provides, but tonight Doug Collins dropped the hammer with his Clipse, Cash Money hip-hop reference when speaking on Chris “Birdman” Andersen’s injury.

And immediately, the set’s hip hop connoisseur in Jalen Rose picks up on the reference while Bill Simmons sits in silent confusion.

Moments like this are what make “Inside the NBA” the best post-game show on all of television. No doubt, Collins blurb was intentional, but more of this would bode well for the future of ESPN’s pre-game show.

So props to Doug Collins. This was an all-time on-air hip-hop reference. I wonder if he and George Karl have discussions about who is the best rapper alive.