McHale accepts post as analyst for NBA TV

The former Wolves coach and basketball boss joins studio team for Tuesday games. He'll also appear on TNT.

By JUDD ZULGAD, Star Tribune

Last update: October 20, 2009 - 11:01 PM

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Shortly after being fired as the Timberwolves coach this spring, Kevin McHale was contacted by both TNT and ESPN to see if he had an interest in working on either of their NBA telecasts.

Four months later, McHale has made his choice.

It will be announced today that McHale will serve as a studio analyst for NBA TV's Tuesday night telecasts, joining former NBA player Chris Webber and host Ernie Johnson. McHale's decision aligns him with TNT, which partners with the NBA on the channel as part of the NBA Digital platform.

McHale, who worked for the Wolves in a variety of positions after joining the organization in 1993, also will make occasional appearances on TNT's NBA studio show. This should mean McHale and Charles Barkley will able to have an opportunity to match wits at times.

McHale, a top-notch quote during his playing days with the Boston Celtics, has previous broadcasting experience, having spent two seasons working on Wolves telecasts before taking over day-to-day basketball operations for the team in May 1995. In fact, McHale's broadcast partner at the time, Kevin Harlan, now works for TNT and recommended the network add him to its stable of announcers.

McHale's primary role with NBA TV will put him on the air on the night in which fans can vote on NBA.com for what game they want to see. McHale will make his debut on opening night, at 4 p.m. Tuesday, when NBA TV will carry a two-hour studio show, leading into TNT's coverage.

McHale also will appear on TNT that night. TNT will have McHale's former Celtics team against Cleveland at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and then air the Lakers-Clippers at 9:30.

McHale's appearance on Tuesdays will mark one of six days during the week this season that NBA TV will have live studio programming.