Marv Albert Declines Opportunity to Call NBA Games for NBC
Marv Albert, the iconic play-by-play broadcaster, has turned down an invitation to call NBA games for NBC once again.
The 84-year-old Knicks announcer opted not to return to the microphone despite NBC’s interest in having him for a nostalgic night of NBA action. He was offered the chance to call a regular season game featuring the 76ers and Spurs.
“It’s interesting because NBC had Bob Costas and me do an exhibition game at the start of the season, and they wanted me on board for another game, but I couldn’t manage it,” Albert shared with Sports Illustrated. “I’ve been having some voice issues, which prevented me from doing it. I really wish I could have.”
Albert has been closely following this season, particularly as the Knicks have reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, once again set to face the Spurs.
He has played a significant role in many pivotal moments for the Knicks. He was behind the mic for their championship wins in 1970 and 1973, and he also called the heart-wrenching seven-game loss to the Rockets in the 1994 Finals.
If the Knicks clinch the title this time, Albert thinks the celebration in New York City would be something extraordinary.
“That would be off the charts,” he mentioned. “I still recall the celebration at Gracie Mansion back in ’70. The crowd was huge—everyone turned out. If they win again, it would be absolutely wild.”
Albert has been synonymous with the Knicks since 1963. He started broadcasting right after completing his studies at Syracuse University, filling in for coach Marty Glickman during his trip to Europe. In 1967, he became a full-time broadcaster and continued for 37 years until his departure in 2004.
His NBA career spans 22 years, with stints from 1977 to 1997 and again from 1999 to 2002. He also worked with the Brooklyn Nets, contributing to TNT and YES Network broadcasts. In 2014, he was honored with an induction into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame.
