Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: NBA, Michael Jordan, Basketball, Houston Rockets
James Taylor
Michael Jordan made his NBC debut on the opening night of the new NBA season and fans have already spotted one major problem.
The new basketball season started in dramatic fashion, with the Oklahoma City Thunder narrowly edging out the Houston Rockets 125-124.
Last year's MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, scored the winning points in double overtime, finishing with a team-high 35 points for the Thunder.
Also featuring during the broadcast was the five-time MVP Jordan, who made his debut on NBC in a pre-recorded interview as part of the new series, MJ: Insights to Excellence.
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Although fans were excited to see Jordan on TV, many complained that he did not get enough screen time.
One fan posted on X: "NBC is going to microdose a single Michael Jordan interview for the ENTIRE season."
While another added: "That Michael Jordan conversation was dope but so damn short lol."
However, others were happier with Jordan's interview with Mike Tirico, and the NBC's new coverage of the NBA in general.
One fan wrote: "NBCs return has surpassed my wildest expectations. Folks will tune in every Tuesday just to hear from MJ for 60 seconds.
"Feels like we are watching the Super Bowl in comparison to recent TNT/ESPN".
Despite the complaints from some fans, viewers still appreciated hearing from one of basketball's greatest players.
During halftime, Jordan made a surprising admission about his involvement with the sport.
He said: "I haven't picked up a ball in years."
Tirico immediately asked: "Oh come on. There's got to be a hoop somewhere at your place?"
Jordan jokingly replied: "You don't see a hoop anywhere around here, right?"
When Tirico asked when he last took a shot, Jordan then shared a story that left him the 'most nervous in years'.
"I was at the Ryder Cup and I rented a house from the owner," Jordan said.
"He came over to take pictures and the grandkids and it was meet and greet and I was thanking them for allowing me to stay in the house.
"And he had a basketball court, he says: 'I want you to shoot one free throw'.
"I said: 'really', I've already paid for the house, it's not like he had to see me."
Jordan continued: "So when I stepped up to free throw, it's the most nervous I've been in years.
"The reason is those kids heard the stories from their parents about what I did 30 years ago, so the expectation is 30 years prior and I haven't touched a basketball."
Unsurprisingly, Jordan nailed the shot, joking that it 'made his whole week'.