Michael Jordan’s return to NBA television came with a familiar mix of humility, humor, and competitive fire.
In his first appearance as a special contributor for NBC Sports, Jordan told Mike Tirico during the network’s season-opening broadcast that his involvement is about giving back to the game that made him who he is.
“I have an obligation to the game of basketball,” Jordan said during the debut segment of MJ: Insights to Excellence. “As a basketball player, it’s to be able to pass on messages of success and dedication to the game.”
Jordan said he consciously avoids the spotlight these days, choosing to prioritize family over fame — but that this new role gives him a way to “pay it forward.”
And at 62, the six-time champion still feels the same competitive pulse that defined his career, even if he doesn’t often touch a basketball anymore.
He recalled recently renting a house with a basketball court and being urged by the homeowner’s grandchildren to take one free throw.
“I got nervous — more nervous than I’ve been in years,” Jordan admitted. “Those kids heard the stories from their parents about what I did 30 years ago. Their expectation was 30 years prior, and I haven’t touched a basketball.”
When Tirico asked if he made it, Jordan grinned.
“Absolutely,” he said. “That made my whole week.”
NBC, which returned to NBA coverage for the first time in more than 20 years, wove nostalgia throughout opening night — including the iconic Roundball Rock theme and a digitally recreated voiceover from the late Jim Fagan.
Jordan, once the face of those broadcasts, will now help narrate them.
The next installment of MJ: Insights to Excellence airs Oct. 28 and will touch on load management. A topic, of course, Jordan once would’ve laughed off.
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