The cat’s out of the bag. In this case, the Black Cat is back again. The new media rights deal meant NBC would once again air NBA games, but nobody expected they would rope in Michael Jordan for next season. His Airness will join the network as a “special contributor” for NBC Sports’ coverage. Even rival commentator Stephen A. Smith supports the hire. But other analysts don’t seem to board that train as they have multiple questions of their own.

First, let’s talk about the deal. At the time, only MJ’s role is revealed, with no timeline about the contract. Plus, NBC hasn’t defined the six-time champion’s duties. Naturally, the questions will be raised if the future is not clear. Fox Sports’ Steve Covino and Rich Davis immediately questioned the network’s motives. “But what does a guy like Michael Jordan bring to the table?” asked Davis.

Chiming in, co-host Covino stated what the North Carolina alum needs to steer clear of. “By the way, does he start cutting in like the other old heads like the Barkley’s and Shaq’s of the world, where they’re just dumping on these younger dudes. Because that might be a bad look too, that might be something we don’t want to see from Michael Jordan.” Inside the NBA’s harsh critiques of stars like Embiid and Gobert often draw fan ire.

That’s why the Fox Sports broadcaster warned Michael Jordan that it would bring scrutiny to him as well. “He is setting himself up for extra criticism and back-and-forth with these players. He may be exposed with his opinions and his thoughts where he never was before. And that’s why he maintained a level of awesomeness in our minds.” Accessibility of MJ is undoubtedly a huge part of his lore; that’s why he has stayed away from the spotlight and the game for the longest time.

“You don’t get a Michael Jordan unless he wants to do it. Yeah, great move for the NBA, but there’s got to be great incentive for this dude; he has too much to lose.” Keeping in mind his popularity, plus his continued work with Nike, Covinho felt it would be uncharted territory for His Airness.

Despite blurry contract details, Michael Jordan has a supporter in the veteran ESPN analyst

The only guaranteed detail we know so far is that MJ is joining the $128.66 billion network. Apart from this, “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.” Despite this, Stephen A. Smith is excited for the future.

Smith, a close Jordan confidant, routinely defends him in the GOAT debates on ESPN. Smith’s recent five-year, $100 million ESPN extension emphasizes his influence. “If it’s the Michael Jordan we speak to, it’s gonna be epic.” Stephen A.’s comments were a broadcast professional’s appeal, not merely a fan’s wish. Smith claims the private-speaking Jordan is energetic, perceptive, and brutally honest.

Smith trusts that candid, off-script Jordan will enthrall viewers, just as The Last Dance did. On the other hand, Steve Covino and Rich Davis raise the question of MJ having the last word in the documentary played a huge role. They questioned if the new role with NBC would allow that level of control. Only time will tell what exactly the network has in store for the Bulls icon.