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Miami Heat begin search for new TV color commentator

By Wes Goldberg

MIAMI, FL - JUNE 14: Fans of the Miami Heat watch the game via live telecast between the Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Two of the NBA Finals during the 2012 NBA Playoffs on June 14, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JUNE 14: Fans of the Miami Heat watch the game via live telecast between the Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Two of the NBA Finals during the 2012 NBA Playoffs on June 14, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Current Miami Heat radio analyst John Crotty will be considered to take over in the booth for color commentator Tony Fiorentino.

It has already been announced that the 2017-18 season will be the last for broadcaster Tony Fiorentino, who has been the color commentator since 2004. According to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, the Miami Heat have begun their search for his replacement.

Among those who will be considered is current radio analyst John Crotty, reports Jackson. Crotty played point guard in Miami for one season during his 11-year playing career, and joined the broadcast team in 2004.

Fiorentino, an original Heat employee, succeeded Mike Fratello during the 2004-05 season as the color commentator next to play-by-play man Eric Reid after stints on the coaching staff and in the scouting department. He has called games for three championship seasons.

After the season, Fiorentino will remain with the team serving as both an ambassador and as the director for the franchise’s summer basketball camp program.

Is Crotty the man for the job?

Crotty, who last played in the NBA in 2003, makes a lot of sense if the Heat are looking for a smooth transition. Where Fiorentino approached his analysis from a coach’s perspective, Crotty could bring the player’s point of view to the broadcast.

It’d be interesting, though, if the Heat thought more outside the box.

I’m sure Crotty would do a great job, but why not bring in someone who played in the NBA more recently? Who can speak to the league’s current players? Former Heat forward Antoine Walker, who retired in 2008, is doing broadcast work for 120 Sports and the SEC Network, and has played against some of the league’s more veteran players.

Or–and hear me out–what if the Heat could convince Shaquille O’Neal to give up his gig at TNT to move back to South Beach? Just saying… it’s worth a phone call, right?

Next: Heat being overlooked despite offseason success

Crotty is a logical name to be considered, but it’ll be interesting to see who else is mentioned in the coming year.

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