USA - Magic Johnson joins ESPN, ABC as NBA studio analyst

From sports.espn.go.com
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Basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson has joined ESPN as a studio analyst for NBA coverage on ESPN and ABC this season.

Johnson, a five-time NBA champion, three-time MVP and member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, will primarily work with Stuart Scott, Mike Wilbon and Jon Barry, the network said Monday.

Johnson was an NBA analyst for Turner Sports for seven years. He appeared on ESPN and ABC as a guest studio analyst during Game 1 of last season's NBA finals.

Johnson said he wanted to join ESPN and ABC because that would ensure he would be involved in analyzing the finals.

"After playing in so many of them, now hopefully I get to bring some expertise to what both teams are doing," he said.

Johnson, a member of the NBA's 50th anniversary team, won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, an Olympic gold medal with the "Dream Team" at Barcelona in 1992 and a NCAA championship in 1979 at Michigan State. He is one of only seven players in the history of the sport to win an Olympic gold, an NCAA title and an NBA title.

Johnson was named NBA's MVP three times, in 1987, 1989 and 1990. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.

"Magic has always been one of the most accomplished people in every field he has endeavored. He was an incomparable player and has become one of the best NBA analysts in the business," said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, production. "His unique insights, perspective and personality will be the perfect complement to Stuart, Mike and Jon."