7PM in Brooklyn: Former Nets forward discusses joining Amazon for NBA studio coverage

Six-time NBA All-Star Blake Griffin is set to team up with Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki and lead host Taylor Rooks for Amazon Prime Video’s NBA studio coverage next season. 

From nightly posters across the NBA to now league-wide coverage, the former Nets forward joined Carmelo Anthony’s podcast 7PM in Brooklyn, in an episode that aired Thursday, where he breaks down his new role and overall respect for the industry. 

“When you watch [a host] do their thing, you’re like, oh, this is like a skill,” Griffin said. “It’s not just being like, ‘alright, well, what do you think about this?’ It’s a skill. When you watch [Rooks], when you watch the people that are really good at it, it’s impressive. It’s not just like anybody can do that. It makes me feel better having somebody like that. I’m excited to work with her.”

Nowitzki, a 14-time NBA All-Star and 2011 Finals MVP, was quickly complimented by both Griffin and Anthony for his elite basketball IQ. However, Griffin didn’t have much to say in regards to what the iconic Dallas Mavericks forward would be like as a co-host. 

“I was telling Melo before we started like, I haven’t really heard Dirk talk much,” Griffin added. “Or at least recently, you know what I mean? He’s kind of faded into the back. He’s over in Europe. He’s doing his thing, but his basketball mind is up there.”

Anthony followed up by noting the obvious – we haven’t exactly heard Griffin speak much, either. The 2011 Rookie of the Year and Slam Dunk Contest champion addressed what he brings to the booth, using TNT’s famous and beloved "Inside the NBA" as a reference for what needs to change during this new era. While Griffin rightfully called it one of the best sports shows of all time, he also humorously noted that it’s mostly filled with off-track, random trash talk paired with scarce analysis at best.

Griffin, who spent time with the Clippers, Pistons, Nets and Celtics during his 13 seasons in the NBA, pointed to the ‘new wrinkles’ entering the game each year to explain why there’s an increased need for up-to-date, pro-player and refreshing commentary. Tom Brady, Tony Romo and Peyton Manning were all highlighted by Griffin as former NFL players providing unmatched insight as football analysts while also helping bridge the gap between athletes and the audience, something he similarly hopes to do with his NBA coverage. 

"I feel like that's sort of missing from basketball a little bit," Griffin said.

Amazon’s 11-year, roughly $20 billion deal with the league runs through the 2035-36 season, and Prime Video will host a total of 66 regular-season games alongside one-third of the first and second playoff rounds each year. The platform will also stream one of the two Conference Finals in six of the 11 years, on a rotating basis, starting with the 2026-27 season. Nets broadcaster Ian Eagle is expected to serve as the lead play-by-play voice.

Meanwhile, Griffin was reportedly at the top of the list for everyone, including NBC and ESPN, before landing the Amazon role. The 2009 No. 1 overall pick averaged 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists throughout his NBA career (7.5 points per game in 82 appearances with Brooklyn).