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He may not have realized it, but Wesley Johnson has been preparing for his new role with the New Orleans Pelicans for over a decade. A nine-year NBA veteran forward who was Minnesota’s No. 4 overall draft pick in 2010, as a player Johnson was told by various basketball people that he should consider a broadcasting future. His career in that field will begin Oct. 23, when he debuts as TV studio analyst for the Pelicans’ regular season opener vs. Chicago.
“I thought about (TV), but never thought, ‘This is going to be my path,’ ” said Johnson, who has worked in coaching, scouting and training since retiring as a player. “I think it’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be me in a different light, breaking down the game and explaining it.”
During mid-playing career stints in Los Angeles with the Lakers and Clippers, Johnson enjoyed speaking to team TV analysts James Worthy and Corey Maggette, respectively, who helped Johnson embrace becoming a veteran leader for those teams. His second-to-last NBA stop coincidentally was New Orleans, appearing in 26 games and making 13 starts for the 2018-19 Pelicans.
Johnson hopes to be able to explain to Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network viewers the “why” of what’s happening on the court or during games. “The old school way (of analysis) is, ‘Why did they do that? Why is he here (on a certain play)? Why did that happen?’ ”
“He has a lot of different perspectives he can offer,” Pelicans TV analyst Antonio Daniels said of Johnson. “He obviously played, but he’s also been a player development coach. He’s scouted. It gives you different eyes and different ways to watch the game. The knowledge he brings to the broadcast will be greatly appreciated.”
The Syracuse University product has been given a range of advice on his new gig, but one tip that’s perhaps resonated most is about keeping his approach simple.
“One thing I always hear is, ‘Be yourself,’ ” Johnson said. “Don’t overthink it. Talk the game how you know. Tell your experiences and just flow with it.”
Johnson is eager to get started as a “rookie” on Pelicans games. He’ll be working alongside hosts Andrew Lopez (home games) and Erin Summers (road games) on the team’s 75 broadcasts during 2024-25, bringing a varied background from an assortment of his own experiences in the sport.
“It’s something brand new for me,” Johnson said of TV studio analysis, “but it’s something I’ve been practicing and transitioning to through my whole career.”