The entire World is watching the Michael Jackson Memorial Service today, and rightfully so. While the songs have been giving me goosebumps all afternoon, the story that has made me laugh the most, is the one Magic Johnson told about MJ and a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Here are Magic and Kobe sharing their memories of the "King of Pop"....

Magic Johnson has been a TV free agent for quite awhile now. He had been showing up on TNT from time to time, but the ex-NBAer never really had an official deal. Until now. ESPN/ABC announced during a conference call this morning that Magic Johnson will be the newest member of their studio team. Via ESPN....

Earvin “Magic” Johnson has joined ESPN as an NBA studio analyst and will mainly work with Stuart Scott, Mike Wilbon and Jon Barry on ABC's GMC NBA Countdown. He will provide analysis on Christmas Day – when ABC and ESPN combine to showcase an NBA tripleheader (beginning at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN) – and contribute to the networks' post-season studio coverage. The announcement was made by Norby Williamson, executive vice president, production.

“Magic has always been one of the most accomplished people in every field he has endeavored. He was an incomparable player and has become one of the best NBA analysts in the business. His unique insights, perspective and personality will be the perfect complement to Stuart (Scott), Mike (Wilbon) and Jon (Barry),” said Williamson.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the ESPN family. I look forward to working with a great team and covering all the big NBA events,” said Johnson. “Christmas Day can’t come soon enough for me.”

I don't really know how many people out there are a fan of Magic's studio work, and the hiring comes at a really weird time, but he might actually work with ABC's studio team. NBA Countdown is the only show where I can stand Stuart Scott and Wilbon and Barry can only help the guy improve.

The network also extended the contract of Jeff Van Gundy today in conjunction with the Magic announcement.

I tried to get this up during the live-blog but couldn't so here it is now. The Magic-Bird split screen commercial in all it's awkwardness....

I really enjoyed it at first but the whole throwback jersey thing kind of weirded me out a bit. I know that people get larger with age (I'm a prime example), but that was a little disturbing. I still got goosebumps but next time put them in some suits.

TNT's season came to an end last night and after a look back at all of their Gone Fishing segment they closed out the season the only way they knew how. They discuss Ernie's random seat assignment next to Eva Longoria and Charles Barkley says he wants to fight Michael Clark Duncan.....

"Ain't no muscles in his head though."- Charles Barkley

Following this the team thanked everyone working on the set and they played a Linkin Park song with Busta Rhymes on the way out. It was called "We Finally Made It" and it was very touching. In all seriousness you can see why TNT is and has been the class of the NBA for awhile now. In the end, Basketball is just a game and they cover it as such and have fun with it. Great season once again.

Remember before when I said that the Soulja Boy had jumped the shark (yes I know JTS has JTS'd).....well I lied....

The TNT Graphics Department has completely lost it's collective mind after that showing. And yes, I laughed when the Q Loans Arena (worst. arena. name. ever.) played a snipet of SB after Deshawn missed a free throw. Per usual, Charles Barkley is right on. The Wizards are the officially the dumbest team "in history of civilization".

It's almost not funny how bad the Knicks are this year (I said almost). I've gone from not watching them at all last year to watching every game I can this year to see how bad they play.

The team had been playing better, but seemed to fall off again as they've lost 5 of their last 7. All of the nonsense that's happened this year, their 14-31 record, and a second to last place standing in their conference doesn't matter to Magic Johnson. No Earvin seems to think that the Knicks are making the playoffs, and might even be a seven seed (!?). From the NY Post via Sports By Brooks...

“They’re going to make the playoffs. They’re going to be a tough seventh, eighth seed too, especially now that they’re looking like they’re turning the corner.

“I think they’re going to make the run because everyone is comfortable in their roles. And everybody is playing hard. You could see they are turning the corner. Now everyone knows their roles.’’

“I can see when teams are starting to make their run. I think they’ll settle in after the All-Star break and make their run. Because there’s no way I don’t see them making the seven and eighth seed when I look at the East.’’

Riiiiiight. I think Magic should stick to opening movie theaters for awhile. I also pray this comes up on Inside the NBA tonight.

Magic: “No Way” Knicks Won’t Make The Playoffs (Sports by Brooks)
Gimme A Break Magic (NY Post)