Trail Blazers Bringing Kevin Calabro Back, Replacing Jordan Kent

The Portland Trail Blazers are returning to a familiar face, bringing back Kevin Calabro as the TV play-by-play broadcaster. Our own John Canzano broke the news:

Calabro served as lead broadcaster for the Blazers from 2016 through 2020. He replaced long-time figure Mike Barrett in the role. Calabro stepped away from the position in 2020, referencing concerns with Covid-19 and a desire to spend time with family. He previously spent time calling games for the Seattle Supersonics and national broadcasts across various networks.

Kent stepped in when Calabro departed, forming a solid team with television analyst Lamar Hurd.  A former standout football player with the Oregon Ducks and Seattle Seahawks, Kent worked as part of the broadcast team for several Pac-12 sports before joining the Trail Blazers.

The Blazers eventually released the following statement on the news broke by Canzano:

STATEMENT FROM THE PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS ON BROADCAST TALENT

PORTLAND, Ore. (June 16, 2021) – The Trail Blazers announced today that Jordan Kent will no longer serve as Television Play-By-Play Broadcaster. Kent started with the Trail Blazers in 2016 as Television Studio Host alongside Michael Holton, filled in as Television Play-By-Play Broadcaster during the NBA restart in Orlando in 2020 and was named Television Play-By-Play for the 2020-21 season.

“We’re extremely thankful for the hard work, dedication and passion Jordan has put into his roles with the Trail Blazers,” said Chris McGowan, President and CEO of the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. “He brought a wealth of basketball knowledge and experience to the organization and we wish him nothing but the best as he continues in his career.”