MJ’s Back — But This Time He’s Talking, Not Dunking
Just when we thought Michael Jordan was done pulling off comebacks, he’s laced up again — this time, with a mic instead of Air Jordans. The six-time NBA champion and global basketball deity is returning to the NBA spotlight as a special contributor for NBC Sports, starting this October.
This marks Jordan’s first-ever commentary gig, and honestly, it’s about time the GOAT got a headset.
“The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor,” said Jordan, who clearly still has a bit of gas left in the media tank.
Stats That Matter: NBC’s Star-Studded Comeback Crew
| Contributor | Role | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Jordan | Special Contributor | 6x NBA Champ, 6x Finals MVP, 10x Scoring Champ |
| Jamal Crawford | Game Analyst | 3x Sixth Man of the Year |
| Reggie Miller | Game Analyst | 5x All-Star, clutch-time assassin |
| Carmelo Anthony | Studio Analyst | 10x All-Star, Olympic scoring king |
| Jim Fagan (AI Voice) | Narration (via AI) | Voice of NBA on NBC, 1990–2002 |
And if that wasn’t enough ‘90s nostalgia to make your sneakers squeak, NBC is also bringing back John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock” – the iconic theme song that once had kids dunking laundry into hampers nationwide.
Why MJ in the Booth Is Big News
Jordan’s commentary role is more than a PR stunt — it’s a full-circle moment. NBC was the home of NBA greatness throughout the ’90s, and MJ’s Bulls were the headliners. Now, he’ll join the commentary team during the start of NBC’s new 11-year deal with the NBA, which kicks off in the 2024–25 season.
NBC Sports president Rick Cordella said:
“Michael’s legacy speaks for itself. Having him join us is an incredible moment for the network and fans alike.”
What to Expect
- No, he’s not calling every game. Jordan’s role is special contributor, not play-by-play announcer.
- Expect feature segments, personal insights, maybe a hot take or two on today’s players.
- Given Jordan’s famously blunt style, don’t expect sugar-coating — this won’t be a highlight reel of clichés.
Hot Take: Jordan > AI Commentary
Speaking of voices, NBC will also resurrect the late great Jim Fagan through AI — yep, AI Jim will narrate select segments like intros and promos. Let’s hope MJ’s voice doesn’t get deepfaked into some hot-mic incident.
But let’s be honest — as exciting as AI nostalgia is, nothing beats MJ’s gravelly voice giving you the rundown on how a young point guard should’ve “taken that shot instead of passing out of fear.”
Final Whistle
Between AI narrators, Roundball Rock and Jordan on the mic, NBC isn’t just broadcasting the NBA — they’re bringing back the vibes. For hoop heads who grew up watching MJ’s fadeaways and hearing Marv Albert yell “YES!”, this comeback is nothing short of poetic.
MJ once said, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Now he’s succeeded at everything from basketball to business — let’s see how he goes with basketball banter.
