NBA officiating worse off with star referee out indefinitely

NBA officiating has its problems, yet when Kennedy's involved, it's always entertaining. But for potentially the rest of the regular season, he won't be on the court.

The longtime referee — per Basketball Reference, he first officiated a game during the 1995-96 season — has made his replay announcements essential viewing over the years thanks to a dramatic, over-the-top delivery.

He broke character last February in Memphis between the Grizzlies and the New York Knicks. 

He gave the Memphis crowd another show in December on a pair of Emmy-worthy calls, both ending with Kennedy taking a pause before deeming them unsuccessful.

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters following a New Year's Day game against the Sacramento Kings that he challenged a late block because he "really just wanted to hear Bill Kennedy.

"He does a really great challenge," Mazzulla said. "And we were gonna do it anyway just to kind of hear him deliver the challenge."

It will be a shame if Kennedy remains on the shelf for the rest of the regular season. But as with any great auteur, we expect Kennedy to rise to the occasion when the lights are brightest.