It’s quite rare for a broadcaster from one sports network to appear on a rival’s broadcast; however, NBC’s Mike Tirico made an exception on ABC’s coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers-Milwaukee Bucks game on Sunday. He joined remotely to honor the retiring 91-year-old ESPN/ABC analyst Hubie Brown in his final game. This unique appearance prompted Mike Breen to say, “To show you how big you are, Hubie, we’re allowed to have a play-by-play voice from another network appear on today’s telecast.” 🏀🎙️❤️
“To show you how big you are, Hubie, we’re allowed to have a play-by-play voice from another network appear on today’s telecast.” – Mike Breen as Mike Tirico joins the ESPN on ABC broadcast to honor Hubie Brown 🏀🎙️❤️ #NBA pic.twitter.com/IbSVdsu3L3
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 9, 2025
This heartfelt gesture even inspired Tirico, who previously worked at ESPN and ABC from 1991 to 2016, to make his first post on X since December. He reflected on the joy he experienced during his 10 years of broadcasting alongside Brown:
Sincere thanks to @espn for asking me to hop on for a few moments during Coach’s final game. The ten years working with Hubie will always be a highlight of my career. Hubie is the best!!!! https://t.co/4Bl510ZIMG
— MikeTirico (@miketirico) February 9, 2025
ESPN president (content) Burke Magnus also expressed gratitude towards Tirico on X:
Thanks for making the time Mike. You are the best and will always be part of the ESPN family. https://t.co/LjEWzLTPZo
— Burke Magnus (@burkemagnus) February 9, 2025
The final-game broadcast featured numerous tributes celebrating Brown’s over five decades in the NBA, including an opening montage, interactions with players, an arena tribute board, and interviews with fellow ESPN announcers like Dave Pasch and Mark Jones. There was even a touching moment shared between Hubie and Bucks’ coach Doc Rivers:
Legendary NBA broadcaster Hubie Brown is calling his final game today for Sixers-Bucks. Mike Breen and the ESPN on ABC broadcast opened with a tribute to Hubie, which included showing his first telecast. 🏀🎙️❤️ https://t.co/6mwMQRSTsn pic.twitter.com/NgqcJuu0RS
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 9, 2025
Hubie Brown was honored with a video tribute and standing ovation at Fiserv Forum as he calls his final game. “It’s just been an incredible ride… This here today is just overpowering… I almost cried when they did the tribute.” – Hubie. “I did.” – Mike Breen 🏀🎙️❤️ #NBA pic.twitter.com/DphEzv6Lxo
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 9, 2025
The ESPN on ABC broadcast shows a clip of (head coach) Hubie Brown after leading the Kentucky Colonels to the 1975 ABA Championship. That led to a conversation between Brown and Mike Breen on the impact of the ABA. 🏀🎙️♥️ #NBA pic.twitter.com/4C8FbttM7A
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 9, 2025
Hubie Brown and Doc Rivers share a moment during an in-game interview. Doc thanks Hubie for his impact on the NBA, then Hubie tells a story of Doc’s junior season at Marquette in 1983 😅 pic.twitter.com/IzsGBG3r35
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 9, 2025
Hubie Brown’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. He coached high school, college, ABA, and NBA basketball from 1955 to 1986, returned to the NBA from 2002 to 2004, and began broadcasting in 1981 with USA and CBS after being dismissed by the Atlanta Hawks. Following a brief return to coaching the New York Knicks in 1987, Brown continued broadcasting with CBS, including the 1985 playoffs. After his coaching career with the Knicks ended in 1986, he fully transitioned to broadcasting, working with CBS then TNT, and rejoining NBA coaching with the Memphis Grizzlies from 2002 to 2004 before rejoining ESPN and ABC for further broadcasting. His remarkable contributions across networks will certainly be missed on NBA calls, as evidenced by the heartfelt tributes shared.
