"It's gonna be a lot of, 'That boy sucks!" - John Salley reveals what we can expect from Michael Jordan as a commentator on NBC originally appeared on Basketball Network .
After retiring from the game over two decades ago, for many, the greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan , has rarely appeared in public, let alone commented on the day-to-day happenings around the Association. Even during his time as the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats and later Hornets, His Airness largely kept a low profile. But that's about to change in a big way.
Starting with the 2025–26 season, Jordan will join NBC Sports as a special contributor to its NBA coverage, giving fans a whole lot more of the GOAT than they've gotten in years. The timing feels too perfect to be true, but it is. NBC returns to carrying the NBA after a 23-year absence, having last aired games in 2002, the network that famously chronicled all six of Jordan's titles with the Chicago Bulls . And now, as the NBA heads into a new media era, its most iconic figure is stepping back into the spotlight.
For fans who grew up watching him dominate on the court, this is something they didn't know they needed. Jordan, as a commentator? That's must-see TV.
If you think Jordan is going to step into this role and play it safe, think again. John Salley , who spent half a season alongside MJ in Chicago and years before that as a rival with the "Bad Boys" Detroit Pistons , doesn't see the six-time champ holding anything back. In fact, Salley expects the exact opposite.
"It's gonna be a lot of, 'That boy sucks! Man, I don't know how they paying that guy,'" Salley explained while imitating Jordan's signature voice. "Oh, he is 62 now, he is going to tell you what he thinks. I'm sure of that, but his perspective is from a killer. So, it's gonna be really, really good."
That's the thing with Jordan. His competitive fire didn't vanish with retirement. If anything, those who know him best will tell you that it still burns, just redirected elsewhere. And when that perspective, the one from arguably the most ruthless competitor the league has ever seen, is applied to live NBA analysis, we can one hundred percent expect fireworks.
Jordan's jump to NBC is already stirring creative ideas. Podcast host Rich Eisen even pitched the network to give Jordan his own segment — one where he'd grab a tablet and dissect what someone said or break down a certain play, just like the moments that made The Last Dance so iconic. The thought of MJ shaking his head at a boneheaded decision or laughing at a bad take on live TV could do wonders for the fans eager to watch Jordan in action. Just a little bit different action than they were used to.
"You never wanted to be on an iPad handed to Michael Jordan," half-jokingly quipped Eisen.
And let's be honest: players, coaches, and fans will hang on to every word. Whether you love him or hate him, you don't ignore Michael.
But that's what makes this so exciting.
After decades of mostly "staying silent," Jordan is about to give the basketball world an unfiltered glimpse into how he really sees the game today. And as long as you stay on his good side, hearing His Airness speak his mind might just be the best thing to happen to NBA coverage in years.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
