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Stephen A. Smith guarantees bold prediction on Michael Jordan joining NBC's NBA coverage

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•06/09/25•

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Stephen A Smith Michael Jordan
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images// Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Stephen A Smith believes Michael Jordan won’t hold back when he joins the NBA on NBC next season. On Patrick Bet-David’s PBD Podcast, Smith shared his thoughts on Jordan being a special contributor to NBC’s NBA coverage.

“Let me tell you something about Michael Jordan: He’s going to be brutally honest—I can assure you that,” Stephen A Smith said, per Front Office Sports. “He’s not going to be somebody who’s going to be passive. … The Michael Jordan I know, when talking basketball, he is as candid as it gets. He ain’t trying to hurt nobody’s feelings. He ain’t trying to be insulting—but he’s going to tell you what’s going on.” 

“I don’t think he’s going to be passive at all. I really, really don’t, and I’m actually proud of him for doing it because, with the Jordan brand and him being worth over $2 billion, he don’t need this,” Smith continued. 

Stephen A. Smith says he will be in Michael Jordan’s ear

Smith also said he’s been on Jordan to share his opinions about the NBA on a public level since he talks about it all the time. “I don’t think he’s going to be shy about saying what he sees—at all,” Smith concluded. “As a matter of fact, if he is, he’s going to have to deal with me because I’m going to be in his ear telling him, ‘You’re getting shy now. That’s what we’re doing? That ain’t the MJ I know!’”

NBC announced on May 12 that Michael Jordan will join the network’s coverage of the NBA as a special contributor when the 2025-26 season begins in October. “I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan said in a statement. “The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project. I’m looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October.”

“Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself,” NBC Sports President Rick Cordella said. “We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.”

Jordan is considered by many as the best basketball player of all time. He was named an NBA All-Star 14 times, won the NBA MVP award five times, claimed 10 scoring titles and led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships.