Basketball icon Michael Jordan is set to make a surprising return to the spotlight — not on the court, but behind the scenes — as he joins NBC Sports as a special contributor for the upcoming NBA season. While the announcement has sparked excitement among fans eager to see the legendary athlete share his insights, not everyone is fully convinced this move will play to Jordan’s strengths. ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith has publicly voiced concerns that this role may limit rather than highlight Jordan’s potential impact, suggesting that the reserved and intensely competitive nature of the former Chicago Bulls star may clash with the demands of modern sports broadcasting. Smith expressed his hope that NBC won’t try to fit Jordan into a format that doesn’t align with his natural persona, warning that anything less than a bold and unfiltered platform may waste the unique perspective of one of the greatest to ever play the game. As the season approaches, all eyes are on how Jordan will adapt — and whether the media giant can truly harness his voice.

Stephen A. Smith believes Michael Jordan’s new TV role is a cause for concern(Image: Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Stephen A. Smith has admitted concerns over Michael Jordan’s position at NBC Sports, claiming that his success will depend on how free he is to speak his mind and possible censorship from the network.

The NBA icon will join the broadcaster as a special contributor ahead of the upcoming men’s basketball season, after staying away from TV work since his two retirements in 1998 and 2003. Speaking about his new position in the network, Jordan said: “I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC.

“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.”

However, ESPN analyst Smith is concerned about Jordan’s potential with NBC Sports, as he spoke about the appointment on his First Take podcast. The popular sports journalist admitted that Jordan will only be a success on television if he is allowed to show his true personality onscreen.

Smith said: “I just wanna know, is it gonna be the Michael Jordan you see on television? Or is it gonna be the Michael Jordan we speak to? Because if it’s the Michael Jordan we speak to, it’s gonna be epic.

“The things that he will say, and the way that he says them, and the way that he breaks them down, lord have mercy… but if it’s NBC and the little kids out there are watching and he wants to mind his manners about every little syllable he utters – eh, he’ll be alright.”

Michael Jordan’s role in NBC Sports is not yet known fully(Image: Sean Gardner/Getty Images )
It is still not confirmed what Jordan’s exact role will entail, but fans are aware not to expect the six-time NBA champion on every single broadcast.

There has been speculation that the NBA icon’s role will be similar to that of NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, who is an occasional analyst on TNT’s hockey coverage.

Meanwhile, the appointment of Jordan is currently being compared to the move FOX Sports made with NFL star Tom Brady last year, as the seven-time Super Bowl champion turned out to be a success during regular and postseason coverage – although the Chicago Bulls hero is expected to be on TV less regularly than the New England Patriots legend.

Tom Brady has led the line in success as a FOX Sports analyst(Image: Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Despite some hiccups in the beginning of his tenure, Brady has solidified his role as a respected analyst on FOX alongside the likes of Terry Bradshaw and Michael Strahan.

NBA fans will be hoping that Jordan will follow in the footsteps of his fellow sporting icons, and bring something new and exciting to NBC Sports’ coverage.

NBC Sports President Rick Cordella expressed excitement about the appointment at NBCUniversal’s Upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Monday.

He said: “Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself. We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.”