Harpring to join Jazz broadcast team

[Purch]

SALT LAKE CITY — Matt Harpring will return to the Utah Jazz next season — Matt Harpring the broadcaster, that is.

As he did last season while injured, Harpring will provide color commentary for the team's TV telecasts alongside play-by-play announcer Craig Bolerjack in 2010-11, multiple sources close to the Jazz have confirmed to the Deseret News.

Harpring will not necessarily take a full-time role but will "be working on the broadcast team in some capacity," one source claimed. The details of Harpring's assignment, arrangement and the number of games he'll work are still being hammered out between his camp and the Jazz. The team plans on announcing specifics of the hiring and other game-night lineups closer to the beginning of the season.

Longtime commentator Ron Boone will also continue to work with the Jazz broadcast team, though his specific role has yet to be determined. It's possible Boone could make some appearances on the radio with play-by-play voice David Locke.

Harpring's appearances on Jazz broadcasts — highlighted by his insider viewpoint and analysis — were well-received by fans and the organization last season. He also did occasional studio analysis work for NBA-TV.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/7000 ... cid=rss-38

[hoops4life]

That is a good move.

[Luigi]

I know he is a popular commentator, but I think he brings some homerism to the table that we have done a decent job avoiding. Maybe I should write it off as rookie announcing mistakes that he can easily overcome, but I still worry a bit.

At least he resonates with the fan base and has some passion for what he is talking about.

[hoops4life]

He is the home broadcaster, what do you expect? Boler is a pretty big homer himself.

[red4hf]

I loved him as the Jazz commentator, he's funny, he knows basketball and he's obviously not stupid, unlike a lot of other former NBA players who try to become analysts.......

This is a great move.......

[Sloanfeld]

I know he is a popular commentator, but I think he brings some homerism to the table that we have done a decent job avoiding. Maybe I should write it off as rookie announcing mistakes that he can easily overcome, but I still worry a bit.

I agree. He also had a tendency to point out the obvious. I prefer Boone, he's underrated among Jazz fans and knows the game better than most fans give him credit for.

[Matt007b]

I prefer Boone..

Hot Rod>All

Boone>Harping

Harping>David James

good to have harping around though

[CarrKeefe]

I can't tell you how many times over the course of the Boler/Boone era that there have been numerous instances where they had no idea what a particular call was, miscalled it, or stuck with their annoying nick-names or phrases and repeated them time and time again. I found it refreshing last year when Harpring knew what was going on, could get more personality and better answers from the players out of interviews, and understood the game.

Enough of Ron Boone's random rambles throughout the game and pointing out the obvious. Harpring will do great. You know you need a change when the person at home watching the game on TV knows everything that's happening and the commentators do not.

[The59Sound]

I know he is a popular commentator, but I think he brings some homerism to the table that we have done a decent job avoiding. Maybe I should write it off as rookie announcing mistakes that he can easily overcome, but I still worry a bit.

I agree. He also had a tendency to point out the obvious. I prefer Boone, he's underrated among Jazz fans and knows the game better than most fans give him credit for.

Harpring points out the obvious, and Boone doesn't? I do believe I'm in the Twilight Zone.

[DelaneyRudd]

And Booner isn't a homer... Oh my.

[Racer X]

And Booner isn't a homer... Oh my.

What he said. I think Matt Harpring is pretty complementative of opposing players. He is just unabashed in how much he loves Deron.

I knew it was only a matter of time he would be back once the Jazz brought back his BFF Raja.

[Soul Patch]

I lub this.

[CAE15]

hell yeah is he replacing boone or is he going to be a 3rd guy either way im for it. Always liked harp as a player and i will like him as a commentator. And who cares if he is a bit of a homer I dont care if other teams like our broadcasting team. Well I do sometimes but its not that big of deal.

[Pai Gow]

Great move, he is usually good for a couple of lol moments a game.

[Reckless]

It was interesting to hear Harpring's commentary, he didn't shy away from what he was thinking about any player, which can be a good quality in a commentator. Booner can be too old school at times. So I welcome Matty.

[kebutah]

Makes no difference to me as long as Bolerjack is there I won't have the sound on.

[BarneyGumble]

I liked Harpring's commentating. Glad we are grooming him to take over for Boone. I hope Boone sticks around a while longer though, I like the guy and also feel he is underrated.

[countrybama24]

Harpring often has some really fascinating insights. He's not consistently the best, but he is good for 3-4 really interesting anecdotes or observations about the Jazz offense, who blew their defensive assignment, what's jerry thinking etc etc. He will be the most knowledgeable about the game / the Jazz system of any of the commentators, so I don't see how that can hurt.

[HolyToledo]

I watch alot of NBA games with the NBA pass and Harpring is one of the best color guys I have seen. Hes not scared to criticize and tells it the way it is. He can be a national TV gane easily but I prefer that the Jazz sign him as an assistant when Sloan and his assistants leave hopefully by next year.

Jazzz coaching staff 2011-2012

Head Coach: Hornacek
Asst: Harpring, Corbin and maybe Dantley

[Luigi]

Yeah, Boone is a homer, I won't deny that. But Boone can't bring it across with the same intensity that Harpring can (and has). Maybe it's because was still so attached to the team, it was almost like he never stepped out of his role as a player on the roster to sit down at the mic and call a game fairly.

Bollerjack understands how to be a professional. As boring as he can be, he is a national level commentator. Overall, we have done a great job keeping the homerism down to a minimum, and at least behind a barrier of professional courtesy. Just watch a Denver or Portland home game to see the difference (their guys are out of control, hehe).

Maybe with a little more separation and a more official role as a commentator, Harpring will lose the bad and accentuate the good. I do love hearing someone who was coached for a long time by Sloan, and who really seemed to represent the Jazz mindset on the floor.