Dwyane Wade Has TNT to Thank for Paris Olympics Role Despite 0 Experience as Color Commentator

NBA fans got what they were craving. Somewhat. Dwyane Wade is at the Olympics but he’s not lacing up alongside LeBron James for a third time. He’s armed with a headset and mic to call the Team USA games. NBC Sports handpicked the Olympian as its star color commentator for the Paris Olympics- an unusual choice by NBC given D-Wade’s lack of sportscasting experience. His analyst career at TNT was short-lived, and he’s only recently stepped into the podcasting business. He, however, has some factors that make him a perfect fit for NBC’s Olympic coverage.

Molly Solomon, the president and executive producer for NBC Olympics, has tapped celebrities across different fields to bring fresh faces and voices to its Olympics coverage, like signing Kelly Clarkson to co-host the opening ceremony show. Further, Dwyane Wade will join LaChina Robinson and Noah Eagle to call the men’s and women’s basketball games.

The NBC executive was also impressed by his limited TNT experience. Wade was a guest analyst on and off for three years alongside his once-teammate, Shaquille O’Neal. He left in 2022 to focus on his diverse business portfolio.

Solomon acknowledged that Wade lacks experience in calling games but he has a stacked resume on the international stage alongside a 3x NBA championship-winning career. He went to the 2004 Olympics (which the country would rather forget) and was the lead scorer of the gold-winning 2008 ‘Redeem Team.’ His friendship and experiences with the current Team USA members like James and Kevin Durant are a big bonus.

And since NBC won the NBA media rights over TNT, some speculation is rife that they could make The Flash a permanent analyst on their basketball coverage.

“He’s so thoughtful, and of course, has experience with so many members of the team,” Solomon said, via USA Today. She’s counting on some stories from Wade’s Olympic stints during his sportscasting. On the other hand, Wade is hoping to build on his play-by-play debut, unlike what he’s learned from TNT veterans.

Dwyane Wade has his playbook

When NBC announced Wade as its commentator, he showed a fair degree of nervousness. But like his entire career is proof, the Heat Culture legend is not one to back off from a challenge. One thing he’s hoping is to showcase Team USA as a former player and what he isn’t going to do is pick a fight with Bron and KD.

“I think we have to discuss what we see. I am not really into calling players out, but to really give the audience an opportunity to understand what’s going on in the game,“ he said with months to prepare for this moment. Safe to say, he’s not drawing from the O’Neal & Barkley handbook that’s made Inside the NBA a big hit.

NBC kicks off its Paris Olympics run on July 26 and Team USA starts its group stage on July 28 against Serbia. That’s going to be Wade’s debut, too. Keep an eye on your commentator along with the team.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us in the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.