This February, Turner Sports will be putting a unique twist on their coverage of the NBA and Derek Fisher is proud to be a part of it.
Starting on February 27, TNT will be the home of Monday night doubleheaders under the heading of “Players Only,” showcasing the game “through the unique lens of the professional basketball player.”
Derek will be a color commentator on one of two announce teams consisting completely of former NBA players. His team will include Brent Barry as play-by-play man and host, and Grant Hill alongside Fish for color commentary. Former WNBA star Lisa Leslie will join the group as a reporter from the sidelines.
Excited to be part of Players Only, working with @Barryathree, @realgranthill33, @LisaLeslie and the rest of the Turner Sports team again! https://t.co/PKuO9G6Pl0
— DerekFisher (@derekfisher) January 19, 2017
A second group of former players will call the other game of each doubleheader. That crew will be headlined by Greg Anthony as play-by-play man and host while Kevin McHale and Rip Hamilton join him on color commentary with Dennis Scott as their roving reporter from the sidelines.
Even the studio show will be comprised completely of former players. Chris Webber will anchor the coverage, joined by Isiah Thomas and Baron Davis, with contributions from Kevin Garnett via his Area 21 segments, where he’ll be joined by special guests each week.
TNT’s hope is to innovate their coverage of the NBA with a more conversational approach to analysis while providing deeper insights with former players leading the broadcast, not just commentating.
“Our new Players Only franchise will allow us to provide a unique and compelling narrative surrounding the game through the distinct perspective and collective experiences of the former NBA player,” said Craig Barry, Executive Vice Presidentand Chief Content Officer, Turner Sports. “We believe this original approach will offer deeper insights into the game, both on and off the court, along with broader access that will be entertaining for our passionate fans.”
The Players Only schedule is as follows:
TNT’s Players Only Game Schedule
Monday, Feb. 27 | 7 p.m. | Toronto vs. New York
Monday, Feb. 27 | 9:30 p.m. | Indiana vs. Houston
Monday, March 6 | 8 p.m. | Indiana vs. Charlotte
Monday, March 6 | 10:30 p.m. | Boston vs. LA Clippers
Monday, March 13 | 8 p.m. | Atlanta vs. San Antonio
Monday, March 13 | 10:30 p.m. | L.A. Lakers vs. Denver
Monday, March 20 | 8 p.m. | Golden State vs. Oklahoma City
Monday, March 20 | 10:30 p.m. | New York vs. LA Clippers
Monday, March 27 | 8 p.m. | Cleveland vs. San Antonio
Monday, March 27 | 10:30 p.m. | New Orleans vs. Utah