One of the sport’s great play-by-play men had to turn down the chance to once again call an NBA game for NBC.
Legendary Knicks announcer Marv Albert, 84, stayed away from the mic even though NBC was interested in bringing him back for a night, as it has often leaned into the nostalgia for the return of NBA games to the network this season. He was offered to call a regular-season game between the 76ers and Spurs,
“It’s funny because NBC had myself and Bob Costas do the opens at the start of the season. And then they wanted me to do a game. I couldn’t do it,” Albert told Sports Illustrated. “I’ve had some voice issues. So, I couldn’t do it, but it would have been nice to do.”
Marv Albert calling a Knicks game on the radio in 1999 New York PostAlbert has still followed the season closely, including the Knicks’ run to their first NBA Finals since 1999, where they will get a rematch with the Spurs.
He was around Knicks basketball on the mic for many of their important moments. Albert was on the radio call for the 1970 and 1973 championship teams and was the play-by-play man for the 1994 NBA Finals for NBC, which the Knicks lost in seven games to the Rockets.
Marv Albert at a boxing event Getty ImagesAlbert believes that if the Knicks win the championships, the celebration in New York City will be incredible.
“It’ll be over the top,” Albert said. “I remember in ’70, they had a celebration at Gracie Mansion. I remember it was a huge crowd. There were a lot of people who showed up. It was huge. If they win this time around, it’s gonna be off the charts. It’ll be crazy.”
Albert has been around the Knicks since 1963. After graduating from Syracuse University, he called his first game on the radio while his mentor, Marty Glickman, was away in Europe. He became a full-time broadcaster in 1967 and held that position for 37 years before being let go in 2004.
Knicks Merch Shop
This premium commemorative plaque features the iconic front cover of the New York Post from the Knicks’ historic 2026 NBA Finals victory.
The walls of any true fan require this plaque of our back cover from June 14, 2026 featuring Brunson and the boys celebrating their win.
The “Our Team, Our Title” wrap from our June 15, 2026 print edition set behind acrylic plexiglass and framed in black ayous wood.
Grab a copy of our paper from June 14, 2026 celebrating this huge moment for Knicks fans and New York City as a whole.
OMG, indeed! This adjustable hat says what we were all thinking during this intense championship run.
Own this piece of history with our cover celebrating the Knicks’ sweep over the Cavs.
Knicker Bonkers chronicles the historic championship run that united NYC. Featuring NY Post analysis and vivid photos, relive the magic of MSG.
Albert spent 22 years working for NBA over two stints from 1977-1997 and 1999-2002. He also worked for TNT, and the Brooklyn Nets on YES. In 2014, he was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame.
