Months After Rejecting TNT Deal, Jamal Crawford Nails Latest Role Shortly Before Joining NBC

“Obviously, the Knicks for me have always been family, so I’ve always stayed connected and in touch with the people there. It was their idea … I think they may have seen it even before I saw it, that I could do a pretty job, so I’m excited about it.” In November, Jamal Crawford confirmed he would be filling in for Clyde Frazier as a game analyst on MSG Network. This was only a part-time return to the analyst role. In between, he helped his alma mater to a win before the news about NBC was confirmed.

Rainier Beach Vikings faced the Eastside Catholic and took revenge for their 2023 championship game. Interestingly, Jamal Crawford stepped up as the Coach for his alum and led them to a 99-72 victory. The 3x Sixth Man of the Year is a part-time assistant coach for the program and only stepped up because the longtime coach, Mike Bethea, missed the game due to illness. Nonetheless, the NBA legend got the win but doesn’t want to continue the role.

“Coach Crawford has a nice ring to it.” Wrote, Jeremiah Regional, who is a Basketball Scout as per his Instagram bio. But Jamal Crawford negated the role out of his respect for Coach Bethea. “Only one Coach Mike, but that was fun!” He definitely enjoyed his time back on the hardwood. After all, the Vikings are searching for their first championship win since 2016.

Speaking about searching, even J-Crossover’s full-time role for next season is now clear. “We’re excited to welcome Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover ) to NBC Sports!” The network added a post on X.

In August last year, the 20-year NBA veteran suddenly announced the free agency status of his broadcasting career. But now he is back at it, this time with another network.

Jamal Crawford was already on the radar of TNT’s competitors

As stated previously, the 44-year-old accepted a role to return to his former team, Knicks. For the MSG network, Crawford subbed in for the great Clyde Frazier and was previously roped in for 10 games to replace the 79-year-old Frazier. This was after he announced his free agency on X. “Thank you! I’m actually a tv free agent. So will see where my tv journey takes me. Definitely feel like I’ll be calling games though 😎🙏🏾.”

“NBC secured a deal with Jamal Crawford, sources briefed on the discussions said Tuesday. The contracts aren’t signed yet, nor is Crawford’s exact place on NBC’s depth chart fully defined, but he is expected to call games, per the sources.” Andrew Marchand at The Athletic reported about J-Crossover’s next potential destination after TNT back in December.

“I’m thrilled to join the NBC Sports family and their new NBA package. I grew up reenacting the game highlights that I watched on the network’s classic NBA coverage, so I’m truly honored to be a part of the new broadcast team that will bring the game to a different generation of fans.”

Jamal Crawford has now officially announced his next destination with NBC. Maybe that’s why he hesitated about the coaching role for his alum.