• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 31, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Stephen A. Smith: Michael Jordan Will Be ‘Brutally Honest’ for NBA on NBC

Stephen A. Smith appeared on PBD Podcast and asserted that Michael Jordan will not hold back in his commentary on NBA on NBC.

Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Stephen A. Smith doesn’t think Michael Jordan will hold back his true thoughts on TV.

At upfronts last month, NBC announced that Jordan would be a special contributor when it resumes its NBA coverage later this year. Basketball fans have been cautiously optimistic that we will get the version of Jordan from the Last Dance documentary, where he chomped cigars and was ruthless about rivals and critics, as opposed to a politician hesitant to offend his constituents.

Smith appeared on Patrick Bet-David’s PBD Podcast last week and made it sound like Jordan, whom he talks to with some regularity, is ready to speak with candor. 

“Let me tell you something about Michael Jordan: He’s going to be brutally honest—I can assure you that,” Smith said. “He’s not going to be somebody who’s going to be passive. … The Michael Jordan I know, when talking basketball, he is as candid as it gets. He ain’t trying to hurt nobody’s feelings. He ain’t trying to be insulting—but he’s going to tell you what’s going on.” 

“I don’t think he’s going to be passive at all. I really, really don’t, and I’m actually proud of him for doing it because, with the Jordan brand and him being worth over $2 billion, he don’t need this,” Smith continued. 

Smith said he urged Jordan to take on more public commentary, telling him to “stop acting like you have nothing to say about basketball now that you’re retired—you talk about it all the damn time!” 

Smith added Jordan will call him to disagree with things he said on-air, and while he’s not as aggressive about it as Kobe Bryant used to be, he’s “candid.”

“I don’t think he’s going to be shy about saying what he sees—at all,” Smith concluded. “As a matter of fact, if he is, he’s going to have to deal with me because I’m going to be in his ear telling him, ‘You’re getting shy now. That’s what we’re doing? That ain’t the MJ I know!’”

Elsewhere in the segment, Bet-David referenced internet rumors that NBC is paying Jordan $40 million annually. A source tells Front Office Sports that this number, which is about twice what Charles Barkley makes per year from TNT, is inaccurate. NBC declined to comment. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Michael Jordan

Texts From Michael Jordan, NASCAR Bosses Aired Out in Court: ‘I Have..

Jordan said he plans on “going down with fire” against NASCAR.
Barstool

Barstool Sues For Millions Over Failed Sponsorship Deal 

The media company says it was stiffed to the tune of $4.2 million.

Parsons Trade Reinforces Packers As NFL TV Powerhouse

Betting odds surge for Green Bay after acquiring the star defensive end.
Jason Kelce
exclusive

YouTube Approached Jason Kelce for Chiefs Game, ESPN Said No

ESPN continues to enforce its policy of not lending talents to streamers.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.

Fox, YouTube TV Reach Deal, Avoiding CFB Blackout

Saturday’s Texas-Ohio State college football game will be fully distributed
August 28, 2025

The Next Chapter in the Network Battle for College Football Dominance

Fox and ESPN will jockey for viewers and attention at Texas–Ohio State.
exclusive
August 28, 2025

Shannon Sharpe Adds James Harrison, Joe Haden Show to Media Empire

Sharpe is back to business after settling a multimillion-dollar lawsuit this summer.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
exclusive
August 27, 2025

Ryen Russillo Leaving Ringer, Dave Portnoy Expected to Invest in New Business

Russillo has one of the world’s most popular sports podcasts.
exclusive
August 27, 2025

Cam Newton to Expand ESPN ‘First Take’ Role After Shannon Sharpe Exit

The former NFL MVP will take on a bigger role on “First Take.”
August 26, 2025

Annual Football Season Tradition: A High-Stakes Media Blackout Fight

The ongoing Fox–YouTube TV dispute marks an annual media tradition.
August 26, 2025

6 Burning Questions About Reimagined MLB Rights Deals

MLB’s rights are changing significantly, but questions still remain.