Talking Heads: The 10 Best Former NBA Players Turned Commentators

Image via Complex Original

YEARS IN THE BOOTH: 2008-present
NETWORK(S): TNT
COMPLEX SAYS: Brutal honesty in broadcasting can sometimes be a rarity, a lot of the traditional commentators are afraid to take a stand. Not in the case of former players like C-Webb, though. Webber isn't known to sugar coat, and such was the case here when he sonned Timberwolve's GM David Kahn for having the balls to compare the Fab Five member's career to Darko Milicic. FOH.

YEARS IN THE BOOTH: 2005-present
NETWORK(S): TNT
COMPLEX SAYS: Cheryl's little bro is a lot more likeable in the booth than he was as a player on the court. He still shows the raw emotion without crushing the playoff dreams of our favorite squads. Plus, we can't be mad at someone who loves titties just as much as we do.

YEARS IN THE BOOTH: 1990-present
NETWORK(S): NBC; ABC; ESPN; CSN Bay Area
COMPLEX SAYS: Many like to hate on Walton, but dude overcame a speech impediment to become one of the most well-known NBA commentators. Besides, who else is going to give us gems like this? Boris Diaw is like Beethoven? #based

YEARS IN THE BOOTH: 1998-present
NETWORK(S): TNT
COMPLEX SAYS: For over a decade, Smith has served as an analyst on the Emmy Award-winning show Inside the NBA. As seen in this clip, Smith is always there to put co-host Charles Barkley in check no matter how pause-worthy the situation may be. Chuck, tell me how my ass tastes!

YEARS IN THE BOOTH: 1966-present
NETWORK(S): WKGB; CBS; CSN New England
COMPLEX SAYS: Bullshit calls from the refs? There's no better broadcaster to have riding for your squad than Heinsohn. With over 40 years in the game, Heinsohn has become a fan favorite by giving out "Tommy Points" and the "Tommy Award" to players who go hard on the court.

YEARS IN THE BOOTH: 2000-present
NETWORK(S): TNT
COMPLEX SAYS: The league's elite like Mamba and Bron Bron, his fellow commentators, and even Inside the NBA's producer, no one is safe from the heavy doses of ether served by Sir Charles. Who else can call their superior a pussy on live TV and still keep their job? KING.

YEARS IN THE BOOTH: 1998-2010
NETWORK(S): NBC; TNT
COMPLEX SAYS: With about a decade of coaching experience, there isn't a former player out there who has brought knowledge of the game to the broadcasting booth quite like Collins. Though we can't really picture dude bumpin' AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, we give props to Collins for being (or at least claiming to be) a hip-hop head.

YEARS IN THE BOOTH: 1997-present
NETWORK(S): MSG Network
COMPLEX SAYS: No former player is quite as smooth as Frazier on the mic. Over the years he's coined catchphrases like, "wishing they were swishing," "beasting and feasting," and "stylin' and profilin'." Frazier made Knicks games bearable in those lean years before everyone hopped on the STAT and Melo bandwagon. We see you, Fif.

YEARS IN THE BOOTH: 2006-present
NETWORK(S): CSN Chicago; WGN-TV
COMPLEX SAYS: Chi-Town residents have been treated to King's passionate commentary for a few years. But now that D-Rose & Co. have revitalized the franchise, King's lively play-by-play calls have gone national. From a backup veteran during the Bulls dynasty to one of the most recognizable voices on air today, not bad for the man the call "Big Sexy." Pause.

YEARS IN THE BOOTH: 2005-present
NETWORK(S): YES; ABC; ESPN
COMPLEX SAYS: Most players turned analysts just try to get through broadcasts without terribly embarrassing themselves. Sorry, Magic. Not Jackson, though. Homie isn't afraid to turn his swag on and has made a list of recognizable catchphrases along the way. Sidebar: Is that a "can't wait!" reference way before Bart Scott?