NBC Sports To Introduce "On The Bench" Feature That Gives Fans Insights Into Team Huddles

This season, multiple TV networks and streaming platforms will be competing to provide the best NBA coverage to millions of fans around the world. As far as providing unique, quality content, NBC has cooked up a new idea that will bring hoops lovers closer than ever to the action.

This week, the network’s sports division announced the rollout of “On the Bench,” an immersive feature that will be part of all 23 games showcased on Peacock NBA Monday. The premise is simple: An analyst will closely follow their assigned team during shoot arounds and locker-room discussions prior to the game, as well as huddles and timeouts.

According to NBC Sports, fans will first get to watch “On the Bench” when the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Detroit Pistons on October 27. Former NBA players Austin Rivers and Robbie Hummel will be providing firsthand observations and insights into the Cavaliers and the Pistons, respectively. Notably, NBC Sports added that analysts like Rivers and Hummel will be “positioned near the assistant coaches” during games.

Rivers and Hummel are just two of the top-notch analysts who have joined NBC Sports for the network’s NBA coverage this season. NBC’s team of in-game analysts also includes five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher, seven-time All-Star Grant Hill, three-point shooting legend Reggie Miller, and three-time Sixth Man of the Year awardee Jamal Crawford.

Meanwhile, NBC Sports’ studio panel boasts an ensemble consisting of Basketball Hall of Fame members: slam dunk legend Vince Carter, scoring machine Tracy McGrady, and three-time Olympic gold medalist Carmelo Anthony.

On top of this, basketball icon Michael Jordan has been announced as a “special contributor.” For a generation of basketball fans who didn’t get to see the heyday of the '90s Chicago Bulls dynasty, the insights provided by the incomparable Jordan will be a one-of-a-kind television treat.

In terms of competing with other viewing platforms, NBC Sports appears to be locked and loaded. Along with their star-studded lineup of analysts, their innovative feature of following along players and coaches is shaping up to be a must-see attraction.