The best NBA announcers and analysts of all time

Keep in the mind, this list is based on professional accomplishments and excellence. Albert's sexual assault charge from the late 1990s will be more than a stain on his legacy, and it's certainly justified to question why he continued to work after being given a 12 month suspended sentence for his actions. That said, the longtime voice of the New York Knicks (1967-2004), Albert will always remain synonymous with the "NBA on NBC" (1990-2002), as its nationally, excitable voice. He then made the move, along with the NBA, to be the lead voice for league action on TNT, and also provided play-by-play for the then-New Jersey Nets via the YES Network. Albert, who has also been lauded for calling New York Rangers' games, the NFL, NCAA basketball and boxing, won multiple Emmy and Cable ACE Awards. He was the 1997 recipient of the Curt Gowdy Award, given out by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, for broadcaster and writing excellence within the sport.

As of January 2023, Breen is the most prominent play-by-play voice in the NBA. While regionally he's been an easy-to-like presence calling New York Knicks games for the MSG Network, it's his work on ESPN and ABC (the latter on the mic for the NBA Finals since 2006) that has brought Breen's talent to a much larger audience. His perfect broadcaster's voice blends well with whomever he's paired with on the sidelines. In 2020, Breen, who has also called the action for the WNBA, NFL and both the Winter and Summer Olympics over the years, was honored with the aforementioned Curt Gowdy Award.

An ABA champion coach with the Kentucky Colonels in 1975, and two-time NBA Coach of the Year (1978, 2004), Brown is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as both a contributor and broadcaster. During the 1980s, the highly opinionated Brown was the lead analyst for NBA coverage on CBS, where he teamed with announcing legends Verne Lundquist and Dıck Stockton (more on him in a bit). He then made his way over to TNT and ABC/ESPN. In addition to his popular national work, Brown has provided commentary for the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons.

A standout guard for the Providence Friars, Burke has been a staple reporting, calling and analyzing the college and NBA game for the better part of four decades. While her early days in broadcasting came at the college level and working alongside the likes of Dıck Vitale at ESPN, it seemed like a national progression that Burke would take her talents to NBA broadcasts for the network, as well as ABC. She worked as a sideline reporter for NBA games until 2017, when she moved to providing in-game analysis. In addition to her national work, Burke was the first woman to fill the role of color commentator for the New York Knicks on radio and television. Known for her conversational tone and ability to convey the emotion of the game to the viewer or listener, Burke was the 2018 recipient of the Curt Gowdy Media Award.

An All-Star as an NBA player and coach, Collins has also enjoyed success as a popular television analyst. That portion of his career began during the mid-1980s, when he provided color commentary for the Philadelphia 76ers, plus playoff work on CBS. Collins also worked with the New York Knicks while also doing national work for NBC, ESPN/ABC and Turner Sports (TNT, TBS). Collins could get excited during the heat of a contest, but his experience as both a player and coach brought high value to any broadcast. He was honored with 2003 Curt Gowdy Award.

Speaking of Doug Collins, Durham covered him as a collegiate player at Illinois State. Then during the mid-1980s as coach of the Chicago Bulls, whom Durham did play-by-play, on both radio and television, from 1973-1991. That run included the club's first NBA championship in that final season. He worked with greats like Norm Van Lier and Johnny "Red" Kerr. Durham, who was honored with the Curt Gowdy Award in 2011, also voiced NBA games for Turner Sports and ESPN. 

Though Eagle is soon to replace Jim Nantz as the lead NCAA Tournament play-by-voice on CBS, he's long been considered among the elite NBA announcers. Like most others on this list, Eagle excels while calling game action for a variety of sports. When it's come to the NBA, Eagle has been a staple calling games for the New Jersey, and currently Brooklyn Nets, for MSG Network, Fox Sports Net New York and, as of January 2023, the YES Network for three decades. Eagle has also called NBA games for TNT.

Among the most successful coaches in NBA history with 667 career victories, Fratello will likely go down as one of the best analysts in the history of the league. His first stint under the headset came with the Los Angeles Clippers, which whom he started calling limited games again (in 2019), during the early 1990s. It was that same time he first teamed with Marv Albert as the premier team for NBC's NBA coverage, and later TNT. Fratello, aka "The Czar of the Telestrator," for fancy of diagramming plays, situations and in-game moments on the TV screen, was color commentary royalty before returning the coaching ranks in 1993. Fratello, who last coached in 2006-07, has also provided analysis for the Miami Heat, the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets and, as of January 2023, the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

A member of both the College Basketball and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fames, Frazier has ingratiated himself to new generations of fans as the longtime analyst for the New York Knicks. After his playing days ended in the early 1980s, Frazier eventually made a smooth transition to broadcasting the NBA game he excelled at playing. As of January 2023, Frazier, perhaps the best-dressed broadcaster in the business, was still providing in-game Knicks' commentary for the MSG Network, and he delivers the same passion, excitement and expertise on the mic that he did on the court. Frazier was honored with the Curt Gowdy Award in 2022.

A football and track star at Syracuse, followed by a spot on the 1936 United States Olympic team, Glickman was quite the athlete. He might have been an even better announcer during the 1960s and '70s. For 21 years, Glickman was the voice of New York Knicks basketball, but he was the franchise's first radio announcer when it was formed in 1946. He was also the first announcer of the ABA New York Nets. It's also important to note that Glickman was the first to announce an NBA television game, and the likes of Johnny Most and Marv Albert considered him a mentor for their respective careers in broadcast television. Glickman, who also did play-by-play for both the New York Giants and Jets, was the second recipient of the Curt Gowdy Award, after its namesake.

One of the more versatile play-by-play voices in the business. While Harlan, son of longtime Green Bay Packers executive Bob Harlan, has been calling NFL games for nearly 40 years, he's also excelled describing action on the hardcourt. A longtime presence calling college basketball, notably during the NCAA Tournament, Harlan began voicing NBA games in 1982, at age 22, for the then-Kansas City Kings (now the Sacramento Kings). Harlan, with his knack for inflection and knowing when to elevate his voice, also did play-by-play for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Since 1996, he's been a steady and popular voice for NBA action for Turner Sports (notably TNT, TBS).

There are broadcasting legends, then there is Francis Dayle "Chick" Hearn. The Los Angeles Lakers' play-by-play voice for 41 years (1961-2002), Hearn called 3,338 straight games during one stretch for the franchise, starting in November 1965. He was blessed with that stellar staccato voice, and known as an early user of traditional basketball terms like "slam dunk" and "air ball." Hearn was as much celebrity at Lakers games as the players on the court and entertainment stars who sat courtside at The Forum. Hearn's broadcasting success parlayed into appearances on such popular TV shows like "Gilligan's Island," "The Fugitive" and "The Simpsons," and films such as "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh" and "Fletch." He was the third broadcaster to be honored with the Curt Gowdy Award.

Whether as a player (eight-time NBA champion), coach (two-time national champion) or broadcaster, Heinsohn is essentially sewn into the fabric of the Boston Celtics. Obviously, in this case, we'll focus on the Hall of Famer's work as an announcer, which began in 1966, when legendary Boston coach and executive Red Auerbach requested he do play-by-play. After his coaching stint, Heinsohn put the headset back on to serve as color commentator for the Celtics, alongside Mike Gorman, in 1981, thus beginning a long-running, popular tandem. He also worked with Dıck Stockton on CBS calling the NBA Finals during the mid-1980s. Doing the 1990s, Heinsohn returned to the play-by-play duties for Celtics road games on TV. 

A 2,000-plus scorer at West Virginia during the mid-1950s and two-time NBA All-Star, Hundley remained successful when he transitioned to the broadcast booth. "Hot Rod" began his broadcast career with the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, then became the first voice of the New Orleans Jazz in 1974. Hundley eventually followed the franchise to Utah, where he continued to broadcast both on radio and television until the 2005-06 season. Known for his fast-paced style and quirky phrases (calling a deep shot "from the parking lot"), Hundley remained with the Jazz until his retirement in 2009. He later provided some color commentary for the Lakers. Hundley was honored with the Curt Gowdy Award in 2003.

Jackson scored more than 12,000 points during his 17-year NBA career and also won 121 games and guided the Golden State Warriors to three playoff appearances in as many seasons as their head coach. Since his playing days ended, Jackson has spent plenty of time providing analysis and color commentary for the NBA, notably alongside Marv Albert for coverage of the New Jersey Nets on the YES Network, then with ESPN/ABC teaming with Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy (we'll get to him). Generally opinionated, and not afraid to turn up the heat on players, coaches, officials, and his own broadcast partners, Jackson has that extensive NBA expertise which makes him one of the more recent to excel at the craft.

Affectionately known as "Snapper."  Jones' professional playing career mostly came in the ABA, where he was a three-time All-Star. However, his broadcasting success was within the confines of the NBA. Starting in 1976, Jones provided in-game commentary for CBS, and filled the same role for the Portland Trail Blazers into the 1990s. Jones also worked for Turner Sports and USA, but truly came into his own while earning national recognition with NBC. Teamed with former Portland teammate and basketball legend Bill Walton on the network, the back-and-forth between the two could get heated, but was usually entertaining.  

As of early 2023, Kerr was still successfully guiding the Golden State Warriors. However, when he decides to step away from coaching, we hope Kerr will return to providing analysis and color commentary for the NBA — and perhaps NCAA hoops — once again. After his playing days ended, Kerr quickly earned a job with TNT, where he shined alongside Marv Albert. That lasted until 2007, when he became general manager of the Phoenix Suns. Kerr returned to TNT in 2010. In addition to offering his stellar knowledge of in-game scenarios and understanding what it's like to be part of the passion of an NBA game, Kerr was in on NCAA Tournament coverage for Turner Sports and CBS — again teaming with Albert, and also part of the then-lead group featuring Jim Nantz and Clark Kellogg.

Lantz was one of those honored to share a broadcast with Chick Hearn. But Lantz, who spent eight seasons in the NBA, has long been able to hold his own as a broadcaster. Alongside a legend like Hearn, or anybody else, for that matter. Since 1987, Lantz has provided analysis and color commentary for the Los Angeles Lakers. A member of the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Lantz offers a solid blend of in-depth basketball knowledge with wit that's not overbearing or pretentious. 

A five-time NBA All-Star, Miller is one of the league's all-time greats. However, when it comes to broadcasting, Miller seems somewhat underrated. As a player, Miller was animated, cocky and in-your-face, but with the headset on, his casual approach as an analyst and color commentator is subtly effective. He understands what players are going through, can dissect game plans better than most and is not afraid to voice his displeasure with a player, coach or official. He began his broadcast career in 2005 with TNT, and also fills the same analyst role for CBS, notably during the NCAA Tournament.

In the same category as Chick Hearn, Most is a legend when to comes to NBA play-by-play. Known for his grizzled, raspy voice, Most called the action for the Boston Celtics from 1953-1990. He's as synonymous within the annals of the storied Celtics franchise as the likes of Red Auerbach, who hired him, Bill Russell and Larry Bird. Most, who served in World War II, is perhaps best known for his "Havlicek stole the ball" call during the waning moments of the 1965 Eastern Division finals. Following his death in January 1993, Most was honored with the Curt Gowdy Award.

To those basketball fans middle-aged and older, "Dr. Jack" is perhaps best known as the coach who guided the Portland Trail Blazers to the 1977 NBA championship. However, to others, the Hall of Famer was one fine NBA analyst and color commentator. Following his legendary coaching career, Ramsay was part of the coverage teams for the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat. However, he earned even more national and international recognition while working the NBA Finals on ESPN Radio from 1996-2012. With that network beginning in 2000, Ramsay delivered in-depth analysis, but also had plenty of fun with his broadcast partners, not mention the players and coaches themselves. 

A 2001 recipient of the Curt Gowdy Award, Stockton has called the action for just about every sport, pro or college, and every big event that mattered during his legendary career. However, when it came to national NBA play-by-play, not many did it better than Stockton. During a career that spanned five decades, Stockton began calling games for the Boston Celtics and then the New York Knicks in the mid-1970s. After years contributing to CBS Sports, he was hired by the network on a full-time basis in 1978. He quickly became its No. 1 NBA play-by-play voice, and partnered with such legends as Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn, Billy Cunningham and Hubie Brown. One of the great voices who retired in March 2021, Stockton's play-by-play was usually smoother than the action on the floor, and when the moment was big, Stockton, who also worked for Fox Sports and Turner Sports, usually rose to the occasion. 

Tait began his run as play-by-play voice for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1970. With the exception of a couple seasons during the early 1980s — when he was exiled from the franchise and called the action for the New Jersey Nets and Chicago Bulls before returning — Tait's time in Cleveland lasted until April 2011. In between, the witty and informative Tait became one of the most popular figures associated with the franchise, right up there with favorite son LeBron James. In fact, the late Tait has a banner hanging from the rafters of the Cavs' home arena. Another recipient of the Curt Gowdy Award, Tait was among the hardest working broadcasters, also calling games for the Cleveland Indians. 

The former head coach of the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, Van Gundy might be even better as an analyst for ESPN and ABC. In fact, following his last season with the Rockets in 2006-07, he quickly made the transition to broadcaster. As of January 2023, Van Gundy has been part of ESPN/ABC's lead team with the aforementioned Mike Breen and Mark Jackson. Van Gundy could be a hot head while roaming the sidelines, and can get worked up on the mic, but he adds an old-school perspective that jells well with Jackson's overall expertise. When the games are wild and tight, Van Gundy seems to thrive, elevating his voice and knowledge to match the moment.

There are times as a player, and certainly as an analyst and commentator, that Walton seems like he's on another planet. But that's what makes him special, whether he's calling NBA or college basketball games. As of January 2023, Walton was still calling West Coast basketball, notably the Pac-12, for ESPN. However, before the ramblings and normally humorous on-air antics, Walton was quite good as an NBA analyst. We noted his work with "Snapper" Jones for NBC during the 1990s and into the early 2000s. Sure, he was excitable and went off on tangents when calling NBA action (which he also did for the Los Angeles Clippers roughly during that same time span and ESPN), but Walton is sharp when it comes to digging deep into the details of the game — what players and coaches should be doing or thinking, whether right or wrong in the end.