Stephen A. Smith: Michael Jordan to be Unfiltered on NBC NBA Coverage

New York, NY — Stephen A. Smith, a well-known NBA analyst, predicts Michael Jordan will not hold back when he joins NBC‘s NBA coverage for the upcoming 2025-26 season. During a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, Smith expressed his confidence in Jordan’s unfiltered commentary.

At upfronts last month, NBC announced that Jordan would serve as a special contributor when the network resumes its NBA broadcasts later this year. Fans are hopeful that this version of Jordan will be similar to the candid personality seen in the documentary “The Last Dance,” rather than a reserved analyst reluctant to share honest opinions.

“Let me tell you something about Michael Jordan: He’s going to be brutally honest—I can assure you that,” Smith said. “He’s not going to be somebody who’s going to be passive. When talking basketball, he is as candid as it gets.”

According to Smith, he has been encouraging Jordan to be more vocal about basketball since he talks about it regularly. “I don’t think he’s going to be shy about saying what he sees—at all,” Smith stated. “If he is, he’s going to have to deal with me because I’m going to be in his ear.”

Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has a long history with NBC, having previously contributed to their NBA coverage from 1990 to 2002 during his prime with the Chicago Bulls. “I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan commented about his new role.

Smith believes that Jordan doesn’t need the fame or additional income from this role, with a reported net worth of over $2 billion from his Jordan Brand. He hopes Jordan’s passion for the game will shine through in his commentary.

This season will mark a significant return for NBC to NBA broadcasting, as the network recently secured an 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal with the NBA, which commences in October 2025. Alongside Jordan, NBC will feature more former NBA players in its coverage, aiming to deliver nostalgic yet authentic commentary.

With Smith’s insights and Jordan’s anticipated honesty, fans are excited for what promises to be a refreshing take on basketball analysis.