Introduction to Michael Jordan’s Return to NBC
Once upon a time, Michael Jordan was the unquestioned No. 1 star player in the "NBA on NBC" universe. A generation of stars later, Jordan plans to contribute his considerable insights into NBC’s return to broadcasting the league.
Michael Jordan’s Debut as Special Contributor
Jordan made his debut as a special contributor to NBC Sports’ return to NBA broadcasting on Tuesday night, saying he’s doing so as a way to give back to basketball. Jordan, speaking to NBC play-by-play voice Mike Tirico in the first installment of a series the network is calling “MJ: Insights to Excellence,” said he makes a conscious decision to prioritize time with family over being seen more in the public basketball eye.
Giving Back to the Game
That said, he also acknowledged a desire to “pay it forward.” “I have an obligation to the game of basketball … as a basketball player is to be able to pass on messages of success and dedication to the game of basketball," Jordan said during a segment at halftime of the season-opening game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets.
Blending Past and Present
Jordan’s presence was part of a night where NBC — back in the NBA broadcasting game for the first time in more than 20 years — delicately blended both the present with the past. The opening intro included some players from this era being asked their memories of when the game was on NBC. Of course, many of them didn’t have any memories, since they either weren’t born yet or were very young. John Tesh’s famed “Roundball Rock” — the soundtrack that was NBC’s NBA theme music through 2002 — was back, and with some help from artificial intelligence, so was the voice of the late Jim Fagan, a longtime NBC Sports narrator who was part of those NBA broadcasts a generation ago.
Picture perfect free hand drawing of free throw: Artist’s sketch of Michael Jordan earns praise from the man himself
Jordan’s Competitive Fire
At 62, Jordan — a six-time NBA champion, a Hall of Famer and arguably the greatest player ever — said the competitive fire that he was famous for still burns, but he rarely touches a basketball anymore. He rented a home when he was watching the Ryder Cup and the owner, whose grandchildren were there, got Jordan to agree to some photos and asked him to shoot one free throw on the court that was on the property. Jordan got nervous — more nervous, he said, than he had been “in years.”
Future Installments
NBC said the next installment of Jordan’s conversation with Tirico would air on Oct. 28, and that one of the next topics covered would be load management. “I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts and go out and play the game of basketball today, because that’s who I am,” Jordan said. “That type of competition, that type of competitiveness is what I live for, and I miss it. I miss that aspect of playing the game of basketball, being able to challenge myself against what people see as great basketball.
Conclusion
Michael Jordan’s return to NBC as a special contributor is a significant development for basketball fans. His insights and experiences will undoubtedly provide valuable lessons for current and future generations of players. As Jordan continues to share his knowledge and passion for the game, his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time will only continue to grow.
FAQs
Q: Why is Michael Jordan joining NBC’s NBA coverage?
A: Jordan is joining NBC’s NBA coverage to give back to the game of basketball and share his insights and experiences with a new generation of players and fans.
Q: What is the name of the series that Jordan will be a part of?
A: The series is called “MJ: Insights to Excellence.”
Q: When will the next installment of Jordan’s conversation with Mike Tirico air?
A: The next installment will air on Oct. 28.
Q: What topic will be covered in the next installment?
A: The topic of load management will be covered in the next installment.
