The Utah Jazz’s broadcast team is undergoing a reorganization. Former Jazz player and color analyst Matt Harpring will no longer be on Jazz broadcasts, as longtime ESPN network analyst Holly Rowe joins the team full-time.
Matt Harpring is an American retired professional basketball player who played 11 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
He was previously the color analyst for the Utah Jazz, working alongside play-by-play broadcaster Craig Bolerjack. Let’s learn the reason behind his departure from the show.
What Happened To Matt Harpring?
Matt Harpring is leaving the franchise after 11 seasons as the team’s television color analyst alongside Craig Bolerjack. Thurl Bailey, a former Jazz great who has worked as a studio commentator and fill-in colorist, will join Bolerjack and Rowe on television broadcasts.
Harpring played for the Jazz for the final seven seasons of his NBA career, averaging 11.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 474 games.
Mic check ?
Presenting the voices of the Utah Jazz, coming to you every game day.
Welcome, @sportsiren! | #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/AHkX1prCy5
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) September 24, 2021
He was chosen 15th overall in the first round of the 1998 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. He averaged 8.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in his debut season.
He started 22 of 50 games as a starter, averaging 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1998–99.
Harpring declared in 2009 that he would probably not be able to continue playing in the NBA due to different ailments and a post-surgery infection in his ankle. However, he did not publicly retire. He joined the Jazz television broadcast team for a few games to provide color commentary.
Why Is Matt Harpring Leaving The TV Broadcast?
There is no official reason revealed regarding Matt Harping’s departure from a TV broadcast. However, it looks like Holly Rowe will replace him.
Rowe should be instantly recognizable to anyone who has watched ESPN on a daily basis for the past 23 years.
Also worth pointing out while Holly Rowe is now on the @utahjazz, Matt Harpring is no longer longer with the team.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) September 24, 2021
During her time at ESPN, she was a staple as a college football sideline reporter, as well as covering a variety of other sports. If you’re a Utah Jazz fan, you’ll be seeing her face a lot more now.
Rowe, a University of Utah graduate, will serve as an analyst for the franchise’s broadcast team this season. She does, however, intend to continue working at ESPN, at least for the time being.
Matt Harpring Bio
Matt Harpring spent 2 seasons with the Orlando Magic, 1 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, 1 season with the Philadelphia 76ers, and seven seasons with the Utah Jazz throughout his NBA career.
I was fortunate to have many battles against Kobe. I will always remember his will to win. What a true warrior he was. RIP Kobe. My condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/e3Rnf0Bzj9
— matt harpring (@mharpring15) January 27, 2020
Matt was equally impressive in the classroom as he was on the court.
Harpring graduated from Georgia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and was selected GTE Academic All-District III three times. He was an Academic All-American as a senior.