Michael Jordan, the basketball icon many call the greatest of all time, surprised fans during his first appearance in NBC’s new NBA coverage. In a pre‑recorded segment that aired with the Thunder‑Rockets game, Jordan recounted an unexpected moment from his recent trip to Long Island for the Ryder Cup.
While staying in an Airbnb on the island, the host—who had a backyard court—asked the legendary player to shoot a free throw in front of his grandchildren. Jordan laughed, saying he’d never taken a ball in years and felt the nervousness of those kids who imagined a ball‑throwing feat straight out of the 90s. “I was the most nervous in years,” he told the audience, adding that the expectations were sky‑high because his story had been told to the kids for years.
The host’s request came while Jordan was saying thank‑fingers to the owner and enjoying shots of the local scenery. It was a scene that made the lawn‑side shootout a focal point for the segment.
Mike Tirico, who called the game and who had joined NBC’s basketball broadcasts last month, joked about Jordan’s trial shot. “I hope you swished it,” Tirico said. Jordan replied, “Absolutely.” The tease and quick response highlighted both the player’s confidence and the relaxed atmosphere of the broadcast.
The pre‑recorded interview is part of NBC’s “MJ: Insights to Excellence” feature that accompanies the network’s long‑awaited return to NBA coverage. Earlier this year, the NBA and NBC announced an 11‑year, $27 billion media‑rights deal that re‑establishes NBC as a key partner for basketball.
Jordan’s involvement comes just a few weeks after NBC secured the rights to provide the first televised NBA games in almost two decades. The partnership not only brings the Gulfstream tagline “NBA on NBC” back to the big screen but also brings legend status to the network with a broadcaster at the very center.
Source: New York Post
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