NBA fans are waiting for Michael Jordan’s highly anticipated return to action as a special contributor for NBC’s coverage of the league in the coming season. Former players, current players, and media figures are also on the edge of their seats as arguably the greatest player to ever play basketball looks to revive the league’s glory.
The Bulls legend is teaming up with several former NBA players and key media figures like Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill, Reggie Miller, and Jamal Crawford, among other members of their broadcast team.
Crawford recently spoke his mind on how he reacted to getting the news that he’s teaming up with Jordan for the coming season.
“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.”
According to Crawford, when Michael Jordan returned from retirement the last time to play for the Wizards, he tried to initiate a trade that brought Crawford to Washington as a rookie. But it unfortunately never materialized; otherwise, this would be a teammate reunion.
Crawford and Jordan already share a close relationship. From being a mentor for Crawford to taking his Mercedes while betting on a three-point contest, Jordan probably sees Crawford as his little brother, too.
Many analysts have speculated what Jordan’s role in the coverage would look like, as he has signed a unique deal that has not been seen before. Charles Barkley, Jordan’s formerly close friend and an NBA legend, was also in disbelief when he heard that Jordan was joining the media and welcomed his return with open arms.
Jordan’s former teammate John Salley claimed we should anticipate an unfiltered perspective from Jordan on the special events around the league. While sources claim that the main reason why Jordan wants to return is that he feels NBA players today are not respected as much as they should be.
He reportedly believes that his words could influence the fans to change that dynamic with players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Therefore, he wants to return the league to its glory days. It will be interesting to see what his role finally ends up looking like.
