New York Knicks legend and current color commentator Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier is stepping away from calling road games for the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season, and another franchise great is in line to replace him.
Mark Jackson reportedly nearing deal with Knicks’ broadcasting
New York Post reporter Andrew Marchand reports that former Knicks point guard Mark Jackson is nearing a deal to sit next to play-by-play announcer Mike Green away from Madison Square Garden, saying, MSG Network could have ex-ESPNer Mark Jackson fill in for Clyde Frazier on some games this season.
Walt Frazier stepping away after a long broadcasting tenure
Frazier was drafted by the Knicks in 1967 and quickly helped lead the franchise to two championships in 1970 and 1973. A seven-time All-Star, Frazier’s play earned him a Hall of Fame bid in 1987 and NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary honors.
Frazier began broadcasting in 1980, calling games for the Atlanta Hawks.
In 1987, Frazier transitioned over to Knicks commentating and blossomed into one of the most profound voices in sports media. Known for his rhyme schemes and flamboyant sports coats, he quickly became synonymous with Knicks basketball and is attached to many of the team’s most memorable moments.
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Jackson could fill Frazier’s shoes this season
Now advanced in age, Jackson serves as a quintessential replacement to fill his shoes. Like Frazier, Jackson also ran the Knicks offense from 1987-1992, and carved out a career as a top-shelf distributor, finishing second all-time in career assists at the time of his retirement.
Few are more qualified than Jackson to assume Frazier’s role. He seasoned his broadcasting chops as a commentator for ESPN on ABC next to Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, and like his soon-to-be predecessor, gained fame for several witty catchphrases of his own including ‘Mama, there goes that man.’ The network laid off Jackson along with several other prominent personalities earlier this summer, freeing him up for this new role.
Jackson and Breen already have a strong pre-existing rapport with one another on the sidelines. The two have called 15 of the last 17 NBA Finals together. Jackson’s brief absence came when he accepted a head coaching role with the Golden State Warriors in 2011.