Craig Sager Returns to TNT Coverage: Highlights, Photos, Comments and Reaction
Having missed nearly a year while dealing with leukemia, TNT's Craig Sager returned to an NBA sideline for Thursday's clash between the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder.
"I'm very grateful, very thankful, and I got up today and it was like the first day of school," Sager said before the game, per ESPN.com's Nick Friedell. "You're a little nervous. I've done it before but everything's a little different. It's a long 11 months, believe me. But I was very fortunate I had some doctors I believed in, had some good care. I'm back."
ESPN's NBA Countdown crew wore plaid jackets as well as a tribute to the legendary broadcaster:
In addition to his trademark jacket, Sager will don a distinctive pair of kicks as well:
Coaches and players paid tribute to Sager on NBA TV's Gametime Live:
Sager also received a standing ovation:
Plenty of NBA and sports luminaries showed their support for Sager:
"Welcome back my man Craig Sager to the sidelines and support LLS by going to @Chideo #SageLife @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/8SOpe3dn5R
— Chris Paul (@CP3) March 5, 2015"
Over the years, Sager has become one of the most decorated sideline reporters in sports. The eccentricity of his wardrobe is matched only by his wit and intelligence.
NBA coverage hasn't been the same without him, and now that he's back, his next interview with San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich will be eagerly anticipated.
