Best NBA Commentators of All Time, Ranked

The NBA is all about big names and big markets. Always was, always will be. But where would the association be if Marty hadn’t introduced us to Wilt and Russell, Marv hadn’t elevated Larry and Magic, Chick hadn’t vouched for Kobe and Shaq, and J.D. hadn’t chronicled Michael and his supporting cast? In short: Not where it is now.

Here are the best NBA commentators in pro basketball history based on a combination of substance, style and impact. Candidates were limited to play-by-play commentators and in-game analysts. Charles Barkley, you’re outta luck again.  

Career: 37 seasons (1953-90)

Team: Boston Celtics (1953-90)

Most was one of the sorest winners in the history of sports, a pompous rear end who whined like a petulant child even though his team got almost all the breaks and won almost all the games. 

Unfortunately, he was behind the mic for so many memorable moments in league history, we felt compelled to find a place for him. Yeah … No. 30 out of 30 is about right. 

Career: 17 seasons (1994-2010, 2015-16)

Teams: New York Knicks (1994-2010), Milwaukee Bucks (2015-16)

You either think this screaming commentator is a national treasure or was brought in from the parking lot, but you cannot ignore him. The guy can turn a turf repair into breaking news. (YouTube it.) 

Watch out! The slipper still fits! Ha-haaa! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!