Shaquille O’Neal Didn’t Hold Back on Michael Jordan’s Return to NBA

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated May 20, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Michael Jordan, widely regarded as arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, is making a notable return to the NBA—not on the court, but behind the microphone. NBC Sports announced that Jordan will join their NBA coverage as a special contributor starting with the 2025-26 season. This move coincides with NBC reclaiming NBA broadcasting rights under a new 11-year, $76 billion deal set to begin this fall.

Despite the lack of detailed information about his responsibilities, the announcement has generated significant excitement among fans, many of whom associate Jordan's playing days with NBC's iconic NBA coverage in the 1990s.

Amid the buzz surrounding Jordan's return to the basketball media scene, fellow NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal offered a strong endorsement of Jordan's involvement. In an appearance on Ashley Nevel's podcast, the three-time Finals MVP was asked about Jordan speaking on current NBA players, and whether his comments will be perceived as hating on the younger generation.

"First of all, if anybody says Michael Jordan is hating, you're an idiot," the former Los Angeles Lakers center said. "So, if Jordan says, 'I don't think this guy is good,' you're not that [expletive] good. I don't care how many points you're averaging. If Jordan says you should do this, you should do it. Like, a lot of times instead of being into your feelings, just listen to what the greatest player who's ever played the game has to say."

Jordan was the face of a dominant era for the Chicago Bulls, leading the franchise to six NBA titles in the 90s. The five-time MVP is widely credited for orchestrating the league's global appeal.

Jordan's return to NBA broadcasting through NBC will be a significant addition to the network's coverage and also a nostalgic nod to the era when he dominated the league.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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