Announcers We Love Listening To During The NBA Playoffs

For basketball fans, the NBA playoffs is a special time. Teams are competing at the highest level to try and survive the gauntlet that a two month postseason, and fans want the proceedings narrated in a concise and entertaining way. We’ll show our favorite NBA commentators some love during this precious time of the calendar.

It wouldn’t feel like the postseason without Mike Breen at the microphone, anchoring ESPN and ABC’s coverage. It’s hard to believe, but he’s now called the most NBA Finals games in history, and figures to be the singular voice of the final round of the postseason for many years to come. Breen’s emphatic “puts it in!” and “bang” calls are revered in NBA circles.

After being a well respected announcer for a long time, Ian Eagle is finally starting to get his due. He will officially take over as the lead play by play voice of CBS’ March Madness coverage next year, and has received higher profile games to work on TNT. Eagle has had creative calls in recent years, including the “Jabreaker!” after Ja Morant’s dunk in the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs.

Doris Burke has been part of NBA coverage for a long time, and excels in whatever role she’s asked to fill. She does a great job on the sidelines providing key insights that players and coaches have communicated to her. Burke is also a well respected color analyst, who delivers thoughtful opinions about strategy and tactics.

Sitting next to Breen for many years has been Mark Jackson, a former NBA point guard who played with the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks, amongst others. He was also the coach of the Golden State Warriors before Steve Kerr took the helm. Jackson’s punchlines and one-liners are infamous amongst NBA fans.

Jeff Van Gundy completes the three-man announcing team for ABC, and is not shy about communicating his opinions about NBA rules and regulations. He is known for suggesting changes to the league’s protocol, and has a strong personality with regards to how a game should be called. Van Gundy is a former NBA head coach for the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets.

There might no better listen in sports right now than Kevin Harlan, whose vocal chords bring home some of the most thrilling moments. His passion for the game is evident by his play by play, but it doesn’t seem like he’s overdoing it when he raises his voice, either. He knows just how and when to milk an important moment or a spectacular play.

Even dating back to his playing days, fans can never remember a time where Grant Hill let the emotions get the best of him. He always seemed in control of the situation on the floor, and that describes his style as a color analyst as well. It feels like fans are in good hands with Hill, who shows everyone involved with the game the respect that they deserve.

Due to the presence of Mike Breen, it’s unlikely that Mark Jones will get a chance to be a part of ABC’s A-Team in the near future, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t talented. His investment in the action of the floor is very noticeable. His “hotter than fish grease” quip when a player gets it going from the field is unorthodox, but it still gets the point home in an amusing way.

J.J. Redick has entrenched himself in the sphere of basketball media influence due to his podcasting and studio abilities. He’s also done very well on live broadcasts, bringing an interesting angle to the game. Redick spent many years as a valuable role player on teams that made it deep into the postseason, and has a good understanding of how the pecking order works on good teams.

Jeff Van Gundy has been a mainstay on NBA coverage, but his brother Stan has been given a prominent role in Turner’s broadcasts since he left coaching. There’s no questioning the level of Stan’s intellect, and the only question would be whether he would check the entertainment box. He has been able to do that successfully in the past few years.

Most of us reading this can only hope to still be a position do what we love as senior citizens, and that’s exactly how Hubie Brown’s life has unfolded. He is still a part of NBA coverage, doing what he does best. Brown is a master teacher, explaining the details of what ensued to the audience to help them understand what they are watching. He is 89 years old.

As a young announcer, Ryan Ruocco always seemed to be destined for something great as time went on. He’s worked hard at his craft, and ESPN/ABC has rewarded him with high profile assignments many in the industry never receive. Ruocco’s voice is familiar to fans of the NBA as well as the WNBA, since he anchors that coverage too.

It’s been a lot of fun to watch Chris Haynes’ evolution as an NBA reporter over the years. He’s put in a ton of effort to be able to establish connections with NBA players, who trust him and confide information to him. Haynes has become much more than just a tidbit guy though, as he’s done well as a sideline correspondent during the playoffs.

As a player, Reggie Miller was no stranger to pressure cooker instances throughout the NBA postseason. Even though he may not have been the best player on the floor, he never shied away from his responsibility. Miller seemingly rises to the occasion as an announcer, pointedly highlighting players who bring their best in the clutch, just as he did.

Monica McNutt has been a refreshing personality in a multitude of channels. With a different perspective and a well-explained rationale, she is able to stand by her basketball opinions against the toughest of competitions. She’s been included by the ESPN/ABC team as a sideline reporter, and has performed admirably.