NBA color commentator Greg Anthony is the most astute professional basketball analyst working the NBA this side of 85-year-old NBA legend Hubie Brown. Anthony, a former first round draft pick (#12) who spent the most memorable years of his NBA career as a capable guard with the New York Knicks, really shines behind the mic. And people notice, like NBA scoring sensation Jamal Crawford, AKA jcrossover.
Greg Anthony is great on TV btw
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) May 13, 2019
As a service to the TV viewers, Anthony spends his time illuminating the game he’s watching rather than trying to add to its entertainment value — a la Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy. Anthony’s competition for the top spot among basketball purists is challenged only by former NBA star Chris Webber (who has been borrowing verbatim some of Hubie Brown’s lines lately) and by sharpshooting Hall of Famer Reggie Miller, who also sticks to the game at hand.
It’s no surprise that Greg Anthony brings a high basketball IQ and style to the announcing gig. Anthony’s basketball bona fides are unquestioned: he led a superstar UNLV Runnin’ Rebels squad to an NCAA title before being drafted by the Knicks in 1991. And his son Cole, a top high school prospect, just decided he’ll be playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels next year.
Unfortunately for fans, but not surprisingly, the NBA Finals will feature Jackson and Van Gundy. Mike Breen and Doris Burke, their broadcast partners in play-by-play and sideline work, will supply focus on the game to balance out Jackson’s and Van Gundy’s ramblings. Over/under for Mark Jackson saying “Mama, there goes that man” during the NBA Finals is 12.
