TNT's Craig Sager returned to the sidelines Thursday night following an 11-month battle with leukemia to plaudits and well wishes from both his Turner Sports colleagues and personnel throughout the NBA. He also received a standing ovation from the United Center crowd. Prior to the start of the Thunder-Bulls game, TNT's Kevin Harlan said, "We are truly blessed to have Craig Sager back tonight working the sidelines where he belongs.” Sager said to Harlan, “It was a long 11 months." Harlan later asked him how he felt, to which Sager replied, "I think I'm back." Sager went about his usual in-game responsibilities, including interviewing both Thunder coach Scott Brooks and Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. Brooks between the first and second quarters said, "Welcome back, we appreciate you having us back." Thibodeau prior to the fourth quarter said, "Forget the game, welcome back. We’re thrilled to have you here" ("Thunder-Bulls," TNT, 3/5). ESPN.com's Nick Friedell noted the Bulls "played a welcome back video for Sager and mascot Benny the Bull presented Sager with a red-and-black plaid Bulls jacket for his collection" after the first time out in the first quarter of Thursday's game. Sager "stood in front of his seat on press row, acknowledging a standing ovation from the United Center crowd." He "blew kisses and waved at the fans in appreciation." Sager was "giving hugs and receiving handshakes throughout his time on the United Center floor." (ESPN.com, 3/5).
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: TNT opened its NBA coverage last night with footage of Sager entering United Center before tip-off and the net's Ernie Johnson saying, “This is good for the soul. ... The NBA’s glad to have him back.” TNT then aired video messages of goodwill with the caption “Welcome Back Craig Sager” from Thibodeau, Thunder G Russell Westbrook, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, Heat G Dwyane Wade and Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban. Popovich said, “Good to have you here. Congratulations on meeting and winning against a hell of a challenge. Our challenges pale by comparison with what you just did. We're all happy for you. Now, the probing, incisive, profound questions will begin to roll, I'm sure. We're all looking forward to those, plus the fashion statement each week.” After the taped messages, Johnson, along with his TNT co-hosts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley, gave the segment a loud applause with Johnson noting, “Cannot wait to watch this one. It’s so good to have Craig Sager back at work and words don’t do it justice” ("NBA Tip-Off," TNT, 3/5).
MANY HAPPY FOR HIS RETURN: ESPN's Mike Greenberg said it was "so great" to have Sager back. Greenberg: "He’s been a fixture around the coverage of NBA basketball for what feels like forever. The entire basketball community was thrilled to see him back and healthy last night.” ESPN's Mike Golic: “It’s very, very cool when someone goes through a battle like that and is able to come back and continue doing what they love most” (“Mike & Mike,” ESPN Radio, 3/6). ESPN's Skip Bayless tweeted, "Great to see Craig Sager back on the job for TNT. You were missed, my man." Clippers G Jamal Crawford: "Just looks right with Craig Sager back on the sidelines." Former NBAer Allen Iverson: "Much love to my man Craig Sager on his return to @NBAonTnt from his battle with LLS." From the Cavaliers' official Twitter page: "We are VERY happy to see Craig Sager back on the court tonight!" (TWITTER.com, 3/5).
