Brian Scalabrine Joins NBC Sports, Peacock NBA National Broadcast Team While Continuing Celtics Coverage With Minimal Local Impact Promised

Brian Scalabrine—former NBA forward, Boston Celtics fan favorite, and longtime voice on regional broadcasts—has taken the next major step in his broadcasting career. NBC Sports and Peacock officially announced that Scalabrine has joined their national NBA coverage team, where he will serve as a key analyst for marquee matchups across the country during the 2025-26 season.

The move marks a significant moment for Scalabrine, who has steadily become one of the more charismatic and trusted voices in NBA media. From his humble beginnings as a role player and locker room leader on several teams to a beloved commentator known for wit, knowledge, and connection to fans, Scalabrine’s broadcasting ascent is yet another chapter in his evolving legacy.

“I’m really excited to be joining NBC Sports and Peacock for their national NBA broadcasts,” Scalabrine said in a statement released Tuesday. “This is a huge opportunity to cover games at the highest level with some of the best production crews and analysts in the business. I can’t wait to get started.”

Balancing National and Local Duties

While the new role will elevate Scalabrine’s visibility on a national level, fans in Boston will be relieved to know that he is not walking away from his Celtics coverage duties entirely.

“There might be minor overlaps here and there where I have a national assignment on the night of a Celtics game, but NBC is going to do their best not to affect much if anything locally,” Scalabrine told reporters in a follow-up interview. “I love being part of the Celtics community. That doesn’t change.”

This assurance comes as a comfort to Celtics faithful, many of whom have come to regard Scalabrine—affectionately known as “The White Mamba”—as a mainstay of the team’s media presence. Whether breaking down matchups or offering colorful in-game commentary, his insights and humor have helped cultivate a distinct regional flavor to Celtics broadcasts that fans have grown to appreciate.

NBC Sports Boston, the Celtics’ regional broadcast partner, confirmed that it plans to coordinate with the national team to ensure that Scalabrine’s availability remains high for local games. According to insiders, the expectation is that only a limited number of Celtics games could be affected during nationally scheduled duties, and coverage gaps will be filled with capable substitutes already familiar with the Celtics’ culture.

A Fan Favorite On and Off the Court

Scalabrine’s popularity has grown substantially since his days on the floor. After entering the league as a second-round pick in 2001 out of USC, he spent 11 seasons in the NBA with the New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics, and Chicago Bulls. He was part of the Celtics’ 2008 championship squad, bringing leadership and versatility off the bench.

But it was his post-playing career that turned him into a cult hero. Known for his self-deprecating humor and intelligent breakdowns of the game, Scalabrine became a staple on Celtics pregame and postgame shows. He was never shy about poking fun at himself while educating fans about the nuances of basketball—a combination that resonated with viewers across New England and beyond.

His viral 1-on-1 challenge against amateur players in 2013, where he soundly defeated challengers to silence the idea that “the worst NBA player isn’t that good,” only boosted his reputation and helped build the White Mamba mythology. It was a moment that cemented Scalabrine as both relatable and formidable—an embodiment of what it means to earn respect in the game.

Transitioning to the National Stage

Scalabrine’s jump to the national platform mirrors a growing trend in the NBA media landscape: regional broadcasters with a proven voice and personality moving into broader roles. NBC and Peacock’s decision to bring him on board reflects both his media savvy and his deep understanding of the modern NBA.

At a time when networks are looking for fresh and engaging voices who can connect with a younger, more digital-savvy audience, Scalabrine’s style fits perfectly. His blend of insight, storytelling, and humor makes him a natural fit alongside more traditional analysts.

“Brian brings an energy and authenticity that fans really respond to,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer and President of Production for NBC Sports. “He’s knowledgeable, entertaining, and always willing to give viewers something extra—whether it’s through analysis or pure personality.”

Scalabrine will reportedly work alongside some of NBC’s top broadcasters and analysts for key regular-season matchups, Sunday Showcase games, and playoff action, including select simulcasts with Peacock. While exact scheduling details are still being finalized, the expectation is that his national coverage will be concentrated around high-profile matchups.

What Fans Are Saying

Reactions to the news have been largely positive. On social media platforms, Celtics fans were quick to congratulate Scalabrine while also expressing hope that his presence on local broadcasts wouldn’t diminish too much.

“Scal is one of the best things about watching Celtics games. Hope we still hear him on the regular,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“I like this move for him. He deserves the bigger platform—he’s way more entertaining than half the national guys,” another fan chimed in.

There have also been some inevitable debates about Celtics announcers in general. While not all fans agree on who the best color analyst is or whether changes to the booth help or hurt the viewing experience, the consensus around Scalabrine remains largely positive.

“He has fun, but he also knows the game,” one longtime fan posted. “Scal keeps things balanced. Hope the national spotlight doesn’t change that.”

The Bigger Picture

Scalabrine’s new role comes at a time of continued evolution in how the NBA is covered and consumed. With more games streaming online and platforms like Peacock becoming integral parts of the league’s media distribution, analysts like Scalabrine are helping bridge the gap between traditional TV and modern digital content.

His role may also extend beyond just in-game commentary. There are discussions within NBC Sports about involving him in studio shows, player interviews, and potentially even feature segments focused on team dynamics and film breakdowns. Given Scalabrine’s comfort in front of a camera and his ability to explain basketball in a compelling, digestible way, these possibilities feel like natural extensions of his skill set.

A Future Beyond the Broadcast Booth?

Scalabrine’s continued rise in media has also sparked speculation about other future roles. Could a coaching gig or front office role be in his future? For now, he’s focused on broadcasting, but his name is often floated in conversations about intelligent former players who might one day transition into team operations or assistant coaching.

“I love teaching the game and sharing what I know,” Scalabrine said in a past interview. “But I also love being around the league without the grind of the road every day. Broadcasting has given me the best of both worlds.”

For now, Celtics fans can take comfort in knowing their White Mamba isn’t abandoning them. He’s just expanding his platform—and with it, his ability to represent Boston and its passionate basketball culture to an even wider audience.

Scalabrine’s move to NBC Sports and Peacock symbolizes more than just a career upgrade. It highlights the value of authenticity, basketball IQ, and personality in today’s fast-evolving sports media world. As he takes on this national stage while still remaining loyal to the Celtics fanbase, Scalabrine continues to prove that there’s plenty of room for new voices—especially when they’re as real and respected as his.

Whether calling national games or breaking down Celtics sets in studio, one thing is clear: Brian Scalabrine’s voice will be heard louder than ever in 2025 and beyond.