NBA Stars Pursuing Television Careers Post-Retirement
In the world of sports broadcasting, a new trend is emerging as current and former NBA players take center stage. Here are some of the notable developments in this exciting shift.
C.J. McCollum, the former president of the NBA Player's Association, is known for his smooth-talking ability. Following his TV debut as a contributor to ESPN's coverage of the 2022 NBA Finals, McCollum joined ESPN's coverage of NBA Summer League. If his career follows a similar path to that of Greg Anthony, he could have a long and successful career as a pragmatic analyst.
Draymond Green, a key member of the Golden State Warriors' dynasty, is already making waves in the broadcasting world. He is receiving rave reviews for his contributions to TNT's pregame and postgame shows. If Green's TV potential is comparable to that of Charles Barkley, he could have a successful career as a premier talking head. Draymond Green has even signed a multi-year exclusive deal with Turner Sports, indicating a potential future TV role.
Stephen Curry, another beloved figure in the NBA, might join an NBA broadcast in the future. A potential pregame show featuring Curry and Green would offer fans an inside look at the chemistry that made one of the greatest duos in NBA history.
John Wall, a former All-Star point guard, has joined Prime's desk of NBA analysts for its inaugural season of NBA coverage. His retirement signals the end of the "Mixtape" era in the NBA, marking a shift in the industry towards ex-players in TV roles.
Anthony Edwards, the charismatic young player for the Timberwolves, could also be an entertaining NBA talking head. His reserved nature on the court might lead him to focus on family life and other avenues when he retires, but the sports media industry seems to be moving toward an era where it seeks out contributions from ex-players more than people who cover the sport for a living.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a player for the Bucks, is one of the funniest players in the NBA and could be a great side character on a serious broadcast. However, when he retires, he might focus on family life and other avenues, as his reserved nature on the court suggests.
The player with an exclusive contract with an NBA sport TV partner and considered by experts as a potential successor to Charles Barkley as a basketball premier talker is Moritz Wagner. He has an exclusive expert role at MagentaSport, a partner of the NBA via Telekom, covering NBA and EuroBasket events live and providing TV analyses and podcasts.
Finally, the verbal sparring between Stephen A. Smith and Anthony Edwards could potentially heat up before an NBA Finals game. With more than five current NBA players trying their hand at a television career at some point, the sports media landscape is sure to be an exciting place to watch.
