Each year AwfulAnnouncing.com ranks the NBA’s play-by-play and analyst teams. Though larger market teams like the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks top the list, Sacramento's very own announcer duo came in third.
Grant Napear and Jerry Reynolds are household names in the Sacramento community. Having spent most of their careers not only covering the Kings, but doing so together, thus making them a small-town dream team. “I think it’s pretty neat considering there was a poll done around the country,” Napear said of the results, “I think it’s awesome!.”
The majority of voters gave the pair an A grade, highlighting Napear as “one of the best play-by-play men in the game.” Though Joe Lucia of AwfulAnnouncing.com notes that his candid reactions to the game make for some great, though often unintentional, comedic relief.
While these moments bring us all back to reality when getting lost in the moment of the game, his talents simply would not be complete without the color commentary and one-liners by his running-mate Jerry Reynolds.
“I think we’re kind of like an old couple,” Reynolds said of Napear. “We’ve grown together over the years and I think we try to fill in [each other’s] gaps.”
“I think we’re kind of like an old couple,” Reynolds said of Napear. “We’ve grown together over the years and I think we try to fill in [each other’s] gaps.” He goes on to describe his partner as a New York guy who’s always on the go, versus his own personality he’s pegged as an country boy from Indiana. ���We take our time to get there.”
As a result of their personality contrasts, the pair make for some fantastic sports television. “It’s so easy working with him,” Napear said of his game night co-star. “He’s perfect for me because my job is so much easier when I work with somebody that is as good as he is at what he does.”
Lucia writes, “He and Reynolds create a distinct broadcast experience.” He’s right. The two have an undeniable chemistry when it comes to the fluidity in which they are able to execute their jobs, and that likely wouldn’t happen if at the end of the day, as is with most sports announcers, they didn’t love what they do.
“I love basketball,” said Reynolds. “When the ball goes up, I’m still a kid – and when you’re as old as I am, being a kid is a good thing.”
Congrats, Grant and Jerry!
To view Lucia’s full rankings, click here.
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