NBA TV’s Sam Mitchell had a nervous breakdown after the co-host’s salary joke in an awkward segment

Just as a sports television network can be a low-stakes environment, NBA TV should be a low-stakes environment.

Buried deep in most people’s cable and streaming packages, the network is aimed at hardcore fans – the kind of people who are ready to watch a preseason game between the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors.

Those who did on Friday night were treated to an unusual exchange between host Chris Miles and former Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell. It began with Miles making what appeared (on the surface) to be a harmless dig at Mitchell’s salary.

“I’m surprised coaches get a paycheck for this show,” Miles said. “I think maybe you should volunteer.”

“Last time I looked at my check, it’s pretty close,” Mitchell replied. “I accept donations. Wouldn’t you take some of the money you got since you bragged about it over there?”

Miles tried to make fun of and de-escalate the affair, but Mitchell refused.

“Do I have to go on and on about your townhouse over in Buckhead (in Atlanta)?” Mitchell asked. “Do you want to call me? I mean, come on… I know where you live, young guy.”

Wildly, Mitchell proceeded to broadcast a speech he assumed was from Miles, which will not appear here for obvious reasons.

A message to hosts on the MLB, NFL and NHL networks: Be careful.