Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Michael Jordan's rookie NBA season - Guest: Bill Hazen (broadcaster) - 1985 series finale - NB85-30
Description
Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:
- Bill Hazen's broadcasting career with the Chicago Bulls (1983-85)
- Never-before-told accounts of Michael Jordan's rookie NBA season
- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history
The ultimate episode of #NB85. We finish our series with an in-depth interview, inviting Bill Hazen on the show, to talk about his experiences covering the Chicago Bulls (1983-85). Bill was the play-by-play man for more than 50 of Michael Jordan's rookie games.
Hazen was born and raised in Chicago. We briefly discuss the city's history of professional basketball; leading to the expansion Bulls' entry, in the NBA's 1966-67 season.
You'll hear some amazing accounts of Michael Jordan's first season in the NBA. Hazen was in attendance at Angel Guardian Gym - the Bulls' practice facility for Jordan's rookie season - he watched Michael shake hands with new coach, Kevin Loughery, before training camp had even commenced.
We reminisce about some of the great moments during Jordan's first season as a pro, including this remarkable piece of commentary that Bill exclaimed, in November, 1984.
Another stellar piece of Bill's commentary, was later used in the iconic advertising campaign, 'America's Game / NBA Action: It's FANtastic'.
We also discuss Bill's early use of computer technology to prepare for games, the dismantling of numerous personnel - coaches, executives and broadcasters - following the 1985 season, Bill's production company and much more.
This episode concludes our coverage of the 1984-85 NBA season. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the series. If you enjoyed the content, please share it with your friends!
People mentioned include Michael Jordan, Kevin Loughery, Johnny Red Kerr, Paul Westhead, Orlando Woolridge, Jerry Sloan, Sidney Moncrief, Jawann Oldham, Dave Corzine, Rod Thorn, Fred Carter, Dick Motta, Bill Blair, Vernon Maxwell & Phil Johnson.
Send Adam a text message or voicemail.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast
Follow: Instagram | X | YouTube | Facebook
Adam's free Substack newsletter | Buy Adam a coffee