The addition of prodigiously talented rookies and some exciting roster shuffle-ups made the days leading up to the 2025–26 NBA season truly thrilling. Now that the season has tipped off, it has dawned upon us that there is another groundbreaking moment to look out for. Michael Jordan is back, and he may just be fiercer than ever.
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Last season, it was revealed that MJ would return to NBA television as an analyst for NBC. The news surprised many, including friends, who couldn’t wrap their heads around why the Chicago Bulls icon would suit up on national television and dissect games.
Jordan has hinted over the last few months that he wants to be a positive voice. He wants to uplift and encourage the stars of today. Of course, there’s no better place to do that than by going on TV. So, players may be excited enough to give their best and earn some words of praise from the GOAT. But his colleagues better watch out.
Reggie Miller began talking about MJ’s TV entry on The Dan Patrick Show by reiterating what many have said before. Miller said he’s excited and can’t wait for Jordan to join them on the broadcast, but insisted that the producers and executives haven’t told him or anyone else what Jordan is set to do.
But there was one thing they all agreed on. When Patrick, the host of the show, asked Miller if Jordan, as a play-by-play commentator, would roast others on TV, Miller vehemently agreed.
“Including us, including his partners. Not only the players on the court, but he would be roasting [Mike] Tirico, Jamal [Crawford], and myself,” said Miller.
Wow… The stage is set for another battle between Miller and Jordan. Not that they’re sworn enemies, but they did share a pretty heated rivalry back in the 1990s. Thankfully, their relationship never took a hit because of it, and Miller seems genuinely cheerful about the thought of working with Jordan.
Jordan’s screen time will be limited, though. It appears as though he won’t be doing half-time shows or appearing live during games all over the country. Instead, he’ll be in a studio with Mike Tirico talking ball. This, however, could change as the season progresses.
What Jordan has done at NBC so far
The 2025–26 season tipped off on Tuesday, with two blockbuster games — the OKC Thunder vs. the Rockets, and the Warriors vs. the Lakers. Jordan also had his first sit-down with NBC.
The program, labeled as Insights to Excellence, simply featured MJ sitting on a couch, talking about being successful in basketball in general. He also explained that he values time at this stage of his life and considers it an asset. That’s why he doesn’t make too many public appearances.
About why he has decided to come out and talk about the sport now, Jordan said, “We have an obligation to pay it forward. That’s part of what this is all about.”
That’s all Jordan’s first NBC appearance was centered around. OKC’s win over the Rockets and Jimmy Butler’s masterclass against the Lakers weren’t the topics. Let’s see how future sessions unfold with time.
