What Is ESPN’s NBA ‘Above the Rim’ Alternative Cast?

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.

TV Answer Man, I saw your X post about ESPN having an alternative broadcast for the NBA that’s called Above the Rim. Can you explain what that is? – Jai, Beltsville, Maryland.

Jai, ESPN has for several years offered an alternative view to its regular NBA broadcasts called ‘Above the Rim.’ The sports network positions robotic cameras directly above each basket with full coverage of both ends of the court.

Last night, I watched the Above the Rim alternative-cast for the New York Knicks-Cleveland Cavaliers game on the ESPN Unlimited app. (Our featured image above is a screenshot of the channel.) In some ways, it was the better way to watch the game. The above the rim cameras, which hang about 20 feet above the court, make you feel closer to the action.

Consequently, you experience a stronger sense of the elite athleticism of the players. When someone like New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns drives to the hoop, his power and speed is manifested on the screen. You just don’t get that same feeling when you are watching the traditional sideview of the court from a camera positioned further away.

Another interesting feature: There are no announcers. Just ambient crowd noise and lots of sneaker squeaking. This also helps make you feel like you are at the game.

I would highly recommend giving the Above the Rim alternative cast a try the next time ESPN does a NBA game. You just might have a brand new way to watch basketball on TV.

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