Following the recent additions of Reggie Miller as a game analyst and Carmelo Anthony as a studio analyst, NBC is reportedly looking to bring in another former player for its NBA broadcast team. In a YouTube livestream on his personal channel, Underdog Fantasy host Gilbert Arenas announced that he is in talks with the network to join as an analyst. Arenas shared insights from his discussions with NBC’s production team, highlighting their intention to create a different tone for the NBA coverage, moving away from the approach of TNT’s Inside the NBA.
“I had a meeting with NBC. They’re preparing their show for next season and are still auditioning and interviewing other guests,” Arenas mentioned during his No Chill Gil livestream. He expressed excitement about the innovative perspective they aim to bring to the show.
Arenas has been a trailblazer in NBA media, starting with his online diaries on the NBA website during the internet’s early days. In 2018, he launched the No Chill Gil podcast alongside media executive Mike Botticello. Recently, in 2023, he debuted Gil’s Arena with Underdog, a daily live YouTube show that offers a basketball-focused take similar to The Pat McAfee Show, featuring a relaxed format with various media personalities and retired NBA players.
Despite being a prominent former player, Arenas’ potential role at NBC represents a notable shift in network studio coverage, reminiscent of McAfee’s entry into College GameDay.
“Even if I don’t get the job, I’m grateful that I’m being considered,” Arenas expressed. He then delved into NBC’s vision for its broadcasts, emphasizing their aim to recreate the “cinematic” flair reminiscent of the 1990s NBA on NBC, enriching the storytelling and excitement around the game.
Arenas elaborated that NBC seeks to offer a contrasting narrative to what Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and the rest of the Inside crew have cultivated at TNT. He asserted, “Inside the NBA and some NBA personalities have done a poor job of portraying players over the last decade, focusing more on their off-court personas than their on-court excellence.”
While TNT is losing its NBA broadcasting rights after nearly 30 years, Inside will transition to ESPN this fall, which will enhance its visibility as it will run throughout the NBA Finals for the first time. However, Arenas believes NBC executives see an opportunity to foster a more positive narrative around the league as they embark on a new 11-year partnership.
“When you criticize the product that funds your salary, it’s essential to reconsider the narrative you’re promoting,” Arenas remarked. He recalled that during the ’80s and ’90s, viewers felt good about NBA stories and players, an emotional response they hope to recapture.
Initially, NBC prioritized straightforward basketball coverage through figures like Ahmad Rashad and Bob Costas. Despite changes in leadership, the network is keen on returning to that model.
This shift is not unlike Blake Griffin’s aspirations in his new role at Amazon, reflecting a broader trend in the industry. Hiring Arenas would aim to celebrate NBA talent, yet he is also known for taking controversial stances. For instance, last summer during the Olympics, he criticized the South Sudan national team while evaluating Team USA, sparking a strong backlash. Arenas often seeks to provoke discussion with his takes on modern NBA players’ practices and personal lives.
