The NBA on NBC is back this October and they are building an incredible roster of early 2000s NBA All-Stars to build out their studio crew with Tracy McGrady the latest addition.
Last week NBC announced they had completed their broadcast lineup with the hiring of Minnesota Timberwolves play-by-play voice Michael Grady as well as several analysts including Brian Scalabrine and Brad Daugherty. But what was noticeably light was the studio analyst group where only Vince Carter and Carmelo Anthony have been named. Either NBC was going to have to call upon a rotation of their game analysts, or they would have to make additional hires.
As it turns out, NBC has added at least one more former All-Star to the group with McGrady joining Carter and Anthony in the studio squad. Of course, McGrady and Carter were famously teammates with the Toronto Raptors and are also second cousins.
“I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to join NBC Sports as the game returns to a network that helped shape so many iconic basketball memories,” said McGrady in the NBC announcement. “Basketball has given me everything, and I’ve always just tried to give that same energy back. I hope I can bring the same passion, insight, and love for the game that’s driven me since I was a kid, to all who tune in to watch on NBC and Peacock. I couldn’t be more excited to join this team alongside so many others I admire.”
“Tracy has performed at the highest level both on and off the court and has already demonstrated his ability to deliver his unique perspective on air,” said NBC Sports’ Executive Producer Sam Flood. “Whether paired with Carmelo, Vince, or both, we’re excited to see how this team of Hall of Famers comes together and breaks down the game.”
Although he hasn’t been a regular on air in some time, Tracy McGrady does bring previous studio analyst experience from time working at both ESPN and TNT. From the announcement, it seems like we could see a combination of the three of them depending on the night. Hopefully adding some newer voices who haven’t been out of the game for so long might add some more positivity and respect for today’s stars to NBA coverage that has definitely been lacking in recent years.
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