When NBCUniversal announced that Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan would be serving as a special contributor for the NBA’s return to NBC Sports, the sports media world was left stunned by the news. Immediately, reaction poured in to the headlines that Jordan—who most consider the greatest to ever play the game—would be open to being a part of the network’s relaunch, despite seemingly always straying away from the limelight in sports media. Among those surprised was NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who shared his thoughts on The Dan Patrick Show on Wednesday.
The NBA Commissioner was asked if he had been looped in on the plans for Jordan to join the NBC Sports team. Silver confirmed that he had, in fact, been consulted ahead of time about the network’s attempt to lure Jordan.
“They told me they were going to try, and I said, ‘Good luck.’ I honestly didn’t think he was going to do it,” said Silver on The Dan Patrick Show. “I know there were other inquiries over the years. I think, for whatever reason, he was ready to do it now. He has incredibly fond memories of NBC. I don’t think that’s lost on anyone.”
Furthermore, Silver noted that longstanding relationships Jordan maintains with people at NBC Sports could have played a role in his decision to take the leap with the network. The Commissioner admitted he was surprised by the development, but added that he is not quite sure what Jordan’s exact role will be on the broadcasts.
“They told me what their idea was for him in that role, and I think that they’re still working through that,” noted Silver. “I spoke to Michael about it. He’s excited about it. For him, it means he’s got to stay current with the game. Obviously, he’s a small owner still in Charlotte, but he’s so passionate about it. We talk about [it] all the time. He wants the game to be played the right way.”
In addition, regarding the upcoming new rights agreement with NBCUniversal, Silver said he was a big fan of NBC’s previous presentation of the NBA and is excited about the network’s return to the league. With the addition of Jordan to the lineup, Silver believes it will only enhance the narrative that NBA on NBC is rooted in compelling storytelling.
“I’m excited about [it] in terms of NBC coming back, and this goes back to Dick Ebersol days. I remember that sign behind Dick’s desk that said ‘storytelling.’ I think they’re still some of the best at telling stories around the game,” said Silver. “To tell those stories to fans, I think that’s what draws them in. There’s the lovers of pure basketball, and I think the basketball is fantastic. But you also have to show how multi-dimensional these players are and explain to them the story lines, the conflict on the floor. Nobody does that better than NBC.”
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