Jamal Crawford Joins NBC as Lead NBA Analyst, Celebrates Michael Jordan
Jamal Crawford, renowned NBA scorer, becomes NBC’s lead analyst, sharing the stage with Michael Jordan, who will make special appearances, marking a new era in basketball broadcasting.
Jamal Crawford has joined NBC as the Lead NBA Analyst, and he is celebrating Michael Jordan. Hornets YouTube
Jamal Crawford, a highly-charged scorer in NBA history, is set to bring his distinctive flair to the broadcast booth. NBC Sports has announced that Crawford will serve as the lead game analyst when the network relaunches its NBA coverage this October, marking a new era for both the broadcaster and basketball fans.
As a Seattle native who excels at ball handling and scoring off the bench, Crawford has carved out a 20-year career in the NBA as one of the league’s most unguardable stars. He’s prepared to translate his deep game knowledge and unique perspective into his new television role.
“I’m excited to share the game in a new way,” Crawford said. “It’s about giving fans insight into not just what’s happening, but why it’s happening.”
Crawford’s debut is only part of the excitement surrounding NBC’s return to the NBA. The network revealed that Michael Jordan, who is widely considered to be the greatest basketball player of all time, will be joining as a special contributor. Jordan won’t be a weekly panelist, but rather a prominent presence during big events, such as holiday games or playoff matchups. Crawford was astonished by the news of Jordan’s involvement.
“I was in New York when I heard the news, and it stopped me in my tracks,” Crawford told RG.org. “It felt like one of those moments in music—when everyone’s doing their thing, and then Jay-Z drops an album, and it changes everything. That’s the same feeling I had when it was announced that Michael Jordan would be part of the team. I’m honored to be his teammate. They even tried to trade for me when I was younger, but now the timing is right, and I’m truly excited.”
The addition of Jordan to NBA broadcasting is expected to have a significant impact. Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, who has long covered the NBA, highlighted the exclusivity of Jordan’s role.
“Anything Michael does is extraordinary,” Robinson explained. “We’ve seen legends like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal on TV every week, but Jordan is different. He’s not a regular presence—he’s like a visiting professor for NBC, showing up during special moments. That keeps his mystique alive.”
Jordan’s limited but significant appearances are reminiscent of his rare public moves from the past. Each step contributes to his legend, and from the licensing deals that made him an icon in video games like NBA 2K to the enduring global reach of his Jordan Brand. Fans can now get a direct glimpse of how the six-time champion views today’s game through his occasional analysis.
According to reports, Jordan is approaching this opportunity with appreciation, rather than leaning into harsh critiques of the modern NBA, as some former players have. Instead of comparing eras, he is excited to celebrate the talent and style of today’s stars. NBC’s broadcasts will have a fresh and compelling feel thanks to Crawford’s authentic voice and deep ties to current players.
NBC Sports is striving to create compelling basketball viewing experiences for basketball fans, with Crawford’s energetic presence in the booth and Jordan’s rare but powerful contributions. Crawford, who idolized Jordan as a child and now calls him a broadcast teammate, finds the moment complete. The beginning of a new era is happening for fans, with one of the NBA’s purest scorers and the game’s ultimate icon sharing the spotlight.
