Rockets fans may notice a couple of familiar faces working the sidelines and offering analysis during the first two games of the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics.
The NBA announced this week that Rockets Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson will work as correspondents during Games 1 and 2 in Boston. Amen’s twin brother and member of the Detroit Pistons, Ausar Thompson will be a correspondent.
This continues the NBA’s goal of bringing the fans on-the-ground player coverage that will go directly to all of its social media outlets. Additionally, Golden State Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski, Utah Jazz’s Keynote George will work as the NBA correspondent when the series shifts to Dallas for Games 3 and 4.
“The reality is that we want to work with our players in unique ways in which they can be perceived positively,” said NBA senior vice president of entertainment and player marketing. “We are giving them access to this type of platform, not only from a content standpoint, but from being on the NBA’s biggest stage. This is where they aspire to be one day.”
Smith has already made an impression as a correspondent, asking both Mavericks guard Luka Dončić and Celtics guard Jayson Tatum from the media seating in the days leading up to the finals.
Smith introduced himself as the “correspondent for Game 1,” before asking how it feels for Dončić to be playing in his first NBA Finals.
“Amazing,” Dončić responded. “First time here, hopefully it’s not the last time, but never take it for granted. You never know if you’re going to come back, so just enjoy the experience.”
Smith also asked Tatum a question, seeking advice for “somebody going into their third year who hasn’t really lived up to the expectations that have been set on them.” Tatum responded extensively and thoughtfully.
“I’ve been in that situation,” Tatum said. “Everybody else in the world that’s your age, 21, is still probably in school trying to figure out what they want to do in life. We come into the league at such a young age and they want us to be perfect right away. This is part of growing up. You’re still growing up, I’m still growing up, and it’s a process.
“Nothing was accomplished overnight, and I think you’ll find the value of being in tough times. The ups and downs, just what life brings you.”
While giving fans some professional insight, this platform also is intended to give players some experience in a potential post-playing career.
“This program really gives players an opportunity to do four things,” Levine said. “One, is to build their social profile. We want to keep the momentum from their season going and get them back in the spotlight.
“Two, we also want them to understand the business of the NBA, and specifically the NBA Entertainment side. So, they’re seeing how we cover the Finals from a broadcasting perspective, photos perspective, original content, etc. I think when they go back to their markets, they then have a greater awareness of how things work. They leave with a better sense of how the NBA operates.”
In previous years, players like CJ McCollum, Scottie Barnes, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell and Myles Turner have worked as correspondents during NBA All-Star Weekend and during the NBA Draft.
