As of the start of Training Camp, 2026, the Portland Trail Blazers do not have a television play-by-play broadcaster lined up for the season. Their former lead man, veteran NBA announcer Kevin Calabro, departed for greener pastures at the start of summer. He’s now slated to join the Minnesota Timberwolves. Portland’s position remains vacant.
But today veteran Portland media member Kerry Eggers reported that the Blazers could be closing in on Calabro’s replacement. Posting on X, Eggers quoted Blazers President
of Basketball Operations Dewayne Hankins saying the team is “very close” to filling the position. He also referenced other, unnamed, sources saying the two candidates under consideration are Phoenix Mercury broadcaster Braiden Bell and Sacramento Kings announcer Kyle Draper, with Bell being considered the favorite.
Would either of these play-by-play guys excite you as the next voice of the Blazers? If you’ve heard them, share your impressions in the comments section below!













