18 Greatest Basketball Announcers Of All Time

• Years active: 1962-2022

Marv Albert, the iconic "Voice of Basketball," is not just a name, it's a feeling. Marked by distinctive exclamations "The Roundball Rock!", created the musical backdrop for numerous NBA enthusiasts across generations.

Beyond his contagious passion, Albert's deep understanding of the sport, polished presentation, and memorable catchphrases established him as the definitive "Basketball Announcer."

Leading New York Knicks broadcasts for 37 years, covering every NBA Finals on NBC for over 10 years, and influencing various other sports, he firmly secured his status as one of the most exceptional sports commentators in history.

• Years Active: 1948-1992
• Passed Away: December 14, 2000

Glickman, a former track and field athlete, transitioned to broadcasting in 1939, initially securing a radio position. Bleacher Reports puts him at no. 1 in the list of all-time greatest NBA announcers.

Within seven years, he became the radio announcer for the New York Knickerbockers, a role he held for several decades. Glickman served as the voice for the New York Giants and was the inaugural TV announcer for the NBA.

Additionally, he pioneered as the first announcer for the New York Nets in the ABA. Over the years, Glickman played a mentoring role for prominent broadcasters such as Marv Albert and Bob Costas, among others, as highlighted in Richard Sandomir's 2001 obituary in the New York Times.

• Years Active: 1991-present
• Broadcaster of the Year 1998
• Two-time Sports Emmy Award winner

Mike Breen, the iconic voice of the NBA, is synonymous with electrifying calls and iconic moments.

Since 2006, Breen has been the lead play-by-play announcer for ABC and ESPN, gracing the biggest stages like the NBA Finals with his booming voice and signature "BANG!" after clutch shots.

His 18-year reign at the top marks a record, and his partnership with Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson (until 2020) is considered legendary.

Breen is also the Knicks' voice on MSG and his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on May 14, 2021 solidified his place as one of the greatest to ever call the game.

• Years Active: 1957-2002
• Passed Away: August 5, 2002

Chick Hearn was a broadcasting trailblazer, known for his unparalleled contribution to sports commentary.

Hearn made history by commentating on over 3,300 consecutive Lakers games, beginning in late 1965 and concluding midway through the 2001-02 season due to cardiac bypass surgery.

His illustrious career came to an end after the 2002 season, with his ultimate Lakers broadcast taking place during the NBA Finals before he passed away two months later.

With accolades including inductions into numerous prestigious Hall of Fames and a dedicated star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hearn's legacy continues to be celebrated across various platforms.

• Years Active: 1981-present

Former NBA head coach Hubie Brown transitioned into broadcasting following his dismissal from the Atlanta Hawks in 1981.

Brown, a championship-winning coach in the ABA with the Kentucky Colonels, and a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, has earned a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame both as a contributor and broadcaster.

Throughout the 1980s, the outspoken Brown served as the primary analyst for NBA coverage on CBS, forming partnerships with broadcasting legends Verne Lundquist and Dick Stockton.

Subsequently, he transitioned to roles with TNT and ABC/ESPN. Alongside his renowned national commentary, Brown has also offered insights for the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons.

• Years Active: 1988-2014
• Passed Away: April 28, 2014

Jack Ramsay, a highly regarded figure in NBA history, was the epitome of a radio analyst.

Ramsay was one of the most esteemed coaches in the history of the NBA and a distinguished member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Following his coaching tenure, Ramsay dedicated nine years to serving as a television color commentator for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat.

From 1996 to 2012, he was the primary analyst for ESPN Radio, providing commentary for 15 NBA Finals. His association with ESPN began in 2000 when he joined the network full-time after his stint with the Miami Heat.

• Years Active: 1980-present

Walt "Clyde" Frazier, the smooth-talking legend of the NBA, glides effortlessly between his two worlds: basketball royalty and broadcast brilliance.

As a player, he orchestrated the Knicks to their only two titles, mesmerizing fans with his slick moves and iconic afro.

Now, his microphone magic sparkles alongside Mike Breen, weaving witty rhymes, dropping quotable gems and keeping the Knicks faithful groovin' even through the toughest losses.

Clyde's position as one of the most exceptional NBA announcers is strengthened by his vibrant wardrobe, contagious passion, and keen basketball intelligence, all embodied in his flamboyant suits and infectious enthusiasm.

• Years Active: 1982-present

Revered for his booming vocals and infectious enthusiasm, Kevin Harlan has narrated the NBA's drama for over three decades.

More than just play-by-play, Harlan weaves in historical tidbits and witty remarks, creating a soundtrack that elevates every game he touches.

A two-time National Sportscaster of the Year, Harlan initiated his NBA broadcasting career in 1982 at the age of 22, covering games for the former Kansas City Kings (Sacramento Kings). 

Since 1996, he has consistently been a well-received and enduring commentator for NBA events on Turner Sports.

• Years Active: 1990-present

Considered one of the most accomplished coaches in NBA history, Mike Fratello is also remembered as one of the top analysts in the league. 

He initially took on the role of an analyst with the Los Angeles Clippers in the early 1990s, resuming this position in 2019 and calling limited games.

During this period, he formed a notable partnership with Marv Albert, serving as the primary team for NBC's NBA coverage and later for TNT. He has offered insights for the Miami Heat, the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, and the Cleveland Cavaliers as well.

• Years Active: 1981-present

Following his retirement from the NBA, Walton conquered his stuttering problem and entered a new phase of his professional life as a sportscaster. 

He served as both a studio analyst and color commentator, contributing to various networks and teams. In recognition of his excellence, he received an Emmy Award in 1991.

A former NBA champion himself, Walton's passion for the sport is infectious, his insights profound, and his tangents legendary.

Walton served at CBS in 1990, contributed to NCAA on CBS in 1991, worked at NBC from 1990 to 2002, was associated with the Los Angeles Clippers from 1990 to 2002, and joined ABC/ESPN from 2002 to 2009.

• Years Active: 2003-2014

Currently ranked 18th on the list of best NBA commentators by Ranker, Steve Kerr worked as a sportscaster for a decade.

Following the conclusion of his career as a player, Kerr swiftly secured a position at TNT, where he excelled while working alongside Marv Albert.

Kerr played a role in Yahoo! as an NBA commentator. He lent his voice to the in-game commentary of EA Sports video games and served as a color analyst for NBA 2K12, NBA 2K13, NBA 2K14, and NBA 2K15. Additionally, he served as a color commentator for NBA on TNT until 2014.

Besides, Kerr is a five-time NBA champion as a player and four-time champion as a coach.

• Years Active: 2007-present

Jeff Van Gundy, with a vocabulary as sharp as his suits, carved his niche in basketball as both a passionate coach and an iconic commentator.

After trading his suit for a microphone, he joined ESPN, becoming the yin to Mike Breen's yang in their legendary broadcast duo.

After being dismissed from the Houston Rockets in 2007, Van Gundy joined ESPN as a frequent on-air contributor. However, in June 2023, he was released by ESPN as part of a series of cost-cutting measures affecting its public-facing commentators.

At present, he holds the position of a senior consultant within the front office of the Boston Celtics.

• Years active: 1985-2017

A prominent figure in both playing and coaching within the NBA, Collins has achieved acclaim as a well-received television sportscaster.

Collins commenced his involvement with CBS in the mid-1980s, primarily covering playoff games. Additionally, he served as the primary color analyst for the local broadcasts of the 76ers' games in the 1985–86 season.

Amidst his different coaching roles, he engaged in broadcasting for CBS, NBC, TNT, TBS, and ABC/ESPN. Furthermore, he took on the responsibility of calling games for the New York Knicks during the 2003–04 season on MSG Network, alongside Marv Albert, on a part-time basis.

• Years active: 1992-present

Ian Eagle's broadcasting career spanning over three decades has seen him call games for the Brooklyn Nets, CBS, TNT, and TBS, earning him the nickname "The Bird" for his signature calls that soar above the court.

Before becoming the Nets announcer for the YES Network in 2002, Ian Eagle held the identical position for the Nets on both the MSG Network and Fox Sports Net New York.

Eagle took over as the narrator for NBA Action, stepping in for Spero Dedes in 2005. In October 2022, it was revealed that Eagle would assume the role of the primary play-by-play announcer for CBS and Turner Sports' NCAA Tournament coverage, succeeding Jim Nantz, beginning in 2024.

• Years Active: 2006-Present

Mark Jackson's expertise as an analyst extended to his role with the New Jersey Nets on YES Network, where he collaborated closely with renowned sports commentator Marv Albert.

Additionally, Jackson made significant contributions as an analyst for ABC, forming dynamic partnerships with esteemed figures such as Mike Breen and former coach Jeff Van Gundy.

His illustrious career saw him achieve a multiyear agreement to rejoin ESPN as a game analyst on May 17, 2014; however, this tenure came to an unexpected end when Jackson was released by ESPN amidst a series of network-wide layoffs in July 2023.

• Years Active: 1973-2012
• Passed Away: November 4, 2012

Durham's career spanned over 37 years, during which he provided play-by-play coverage for NBA games on both television and radio.

His earlier assignments included stints with the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, TNT, and TBS.

Notably, Durham was in the announcer's seat when Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and their teammates secured the NBA championship in 1991 as part of his tenure with the Bulls. Additionally to his pro basketball coverage role at CBS for men's NCAA basketball tournament games,

Moreover, Beginning in 1995, he announced a multitude of National Basketball Association matches for both ESPN and ESPN Radio.

• Years Active: 1964-2009
• Passed Away: March 27, 2015

Rod Hundley, a two-time NBA All-Star moved to the broadcast booth after his retirement as a player in 1963.

He spent four seasons with the Phoenix Suns and another four with the Los Angeles Lakers. Additionally, Hundley served as an NBA announcer for five years at CBS, covering four All-Star Games, and worked on two All-Star Games for ABC Radio.

In 1974, he became the inaugural radio and television voice for the newly established New Orleans Jazz, relocating with them to Salt Lake City in 1979. Hundley declared his retirement on April 24, 2009, to take effect after the season ended.

• Years Active: 2005-Present

Reggie Miller, a five-time NBA All-Star, initiated his broadcasting career in 2005 by joining TNT as a basketball analyst.

Presently, he serves as a host for TNT's NBA coverage and participates in "Reggie's Mailbag." On March 30, 2006, at Conseco Fieldhouse, Miller's number 31 was retired during a halftime ceremony.

In June 2005, Miller expanded his contributions by becoming a regular contributor to The Dan Patrick Show on ESPN Radio, offering commentary. Since 2011, he has been employed as a television analyst for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship tournament.