The Chicago Bulls have had many great shooting guards over the years, and one that often gets forgotten is Jamal Crawford. Crawford played for so many teams that it’s easy to forget he started his career with the Bulls in 2000, following in the footsteps of the Bulls franchise's GOAT. Now, Crawford finally gets to team up with Michael Jordan himself on NBC Sports.
Jamal Crawford and Michael Jordan: Teammates at last
In a recent interview, Crawford said he was “honored” to join Jordan in the broadcast booth next season. In fact, he said the news stopped him in his tracks when he first heard it. His excitement doesn’t surprise anyone; after all, it is His Airness that we’re talking about.
When Crawford first arrived in Chicago, he was a 20-year-old joining a team two years removed from Michael Jordan’s sixth championship and finals MVP. He was directly brought in to one day be the heir apparent to Jordan’s basketball throne as the Bulls’ shooting guard. But Crawford wasn’t quite MJ, and he didn’t have Scottie Pippen at his side.
It took a while for Crawford to get going and establish himself as a pro. In his rookie season, he averaged just 4.6 points per game. After middling for a couple more seasons, he erupted in his fourth season and spiked up to 17.3 points per game after just 10.7 the year before. Right when he finally got going in Chicago, he was shipped out to New York.
In total, Crawford played for 20 seasons and nine separate teams, but his origin story will always be in Chicago. No doubt he wanted to emulate Jordan’s success in the same jersey after just barely missing out on a chance to play with him. It's fair to assume any guard of his era surely idolized Michael Jordan growing up.
Now, Crawford gets to join Jordan in a realm where he has more experience. Since 2021, Crawford has been providing analysis on NBA League Pass, TNT, and the Knicks’ MSG Network. Next season, he will be the lead game analyst for NBC’s return to NBA coverage.
Jordan, on the other hand, makes his long-awaited broadcast debut. Many fans are eager to know the GOAT’s thoughts on the modern NBA and can’t wait to hear his commentary. Jordan’s last direct involvement with the NBA was in his role as majority owner of the Hornets, but he sold off that title in 2023 after an unsuccessful stint. Jordan also showed some insight into his own playing days with the “Last Dance” documentary in 2020.
Jamal Crawford has been wanting to team up with Michael Jordan for 25 years since starting his NBA career. He finally gets the chance, but in an unexpected way as teammates in the broadcast booth next season. As fans, we will all be excited to see the two former Bulls work together and commentate games.