Michael Jordan is returning to the NBA, not as a player, but on television. NBC announced on Monday that Jordan will join its NBA coverage next season. He will appear as a “special contributor.” The move marks a major moment for NBC as it prepares to bring back NBA broadcasts.
Jordan was the face of the NBA on NBC during the 1990s. His return could create a major buzz. But ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has questions. He wants to know what version of Jordan viewers will see.
Stephen A. Smith Wants “The Real MJ”
Smith asked if fans will get the quiet, polished Jordan seen on TV. Or will it be the unfiltered Jordan he speaks to privately? He said, “In what capacity? That’s what I want to know! I just wanna know, is it gonna be the Michael Jordan you see on television? Or is it gonna be the Michael Jordan we speak to? Because if it’s the Michael Jordan we speak to, it’s gonna be epic. It’s gonna be epic! This brother, the things that he will say and the way that he says them and the way that he breaks them down? Lord have mercy!” The comments aired during ESPN’s First Take. Smith often talks about Jordan on the show. He even shares text messages from the six-time NBA champion during live broadcasts.
"I just wanna know, is it gonna be the Michael Jordan you see on television? Or is it gonna be the Michael Jordan we speak to? Because if it’s the Michael Jordan we speak to, it’s gonna be epic" – Stephen A. Smith on Jordan joining NBC pic.twitter.com/OrJaLPSxe6
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 12, 2025
Smith’s reaction seemed more than just analysis. Some viewers wondered if there was a bit of envy. After all, NBC managed to land one of basketball’s biggest icons. Smith, a Jordan admirer, now watches from the sidelines.
ESPN Making Big Moves Too
Though ESPN talked at length about NBC’s hire, they have big plans of their own. Starting next season, ESPN will feature Inside the NBA. The iconic show will move over through a licensing deal with TNT Sports.
The cast, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson will all come to ESPN. It’s still unclear how the show will be used or what changes might come. But the deal ensures ESPN stays competitive in basketball coverage.
NBC’s move to bring Jordan on board still stands out. His exact role hasn’t been explained. No one knows how often he’ll appear or what topics he’ll cover. Still, the presence of Michael Jordan, in any form, is huge.
His name alone draws attention. His basketball IQ, history, and cultural impact are unmatched. Fans and insiders are eager to see what he brings to the screen. Stephen A. Smith summed it up best. If NBC lets Jordan be himself, it could change the way people talk about basketball on TV. For now, viewers and Smith will be watching closely.
