In the post-Marv Albert NBA era, Turner Sports is turning to Charles Barkley as its headliner for its All-Star Game coverage, The Post has learned.
Barkley will join Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller as TNT’s team for the play-by-play of the game, according to sources. Barkley will remain a part of TNT’s studio coverage for the event, as well.
The All-Star Game is on Sunday, Feb. 20 in Cleveland.
On the Saturday of All-Star Weekend, Brian Anderson will handle the play-by-play on the skills competition.
TNT declined comment.
Albert retired following last season after a legendary career that spanned 55 years. At one point, TNT had a plan in place in which Anderson, its No. 1 MLB play-by-player, would succeed Albert as the lead NBA announcer.
However, since Albert’s move the cable network has chosen not to anoint anyone. Harlan will get the nod for the All-Star Game and now appears to be the favorite for the conference finals. That is still undecided. Harlan, who also is the lead voice on Westwood One’s NFL coverage and will call the Super Bowl, was behind Albert on TNT’s depth chart for many years. Harlan also works for CBS.
In recent years, TNT has also added CBS/YES’ Ian Eagle as a consistent part of its regular and postseason NBA coverage.