For years, former NBA All-Stars Reggie Miller and Mark Jackson were at rival networks - Miller at TNT from 2005-present (he'll join Mike Tirico at NBC next year), Jackson with ESPN from 2014-2023
Before that, the pair enjoyed six seasons together with the Indiana Pacers in the 1990s, where they would reach four Eastern Conference finals and the 2000 NBA Finals against the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal-led Los Angeles Lakers.
Miller, who spent his entire 18-year career with the Pacers, posted a photo to his Instagram on Tuesday of himself, Jackson, and his three children celebrating his former teammate's 60th birthday.
"Happy Birthday to da Godfather @markjackson, enjoy your day Brotha Man and many more blessings.. #MontanaOverMarino #CarewOverGywnn," he wrote. Jackson is the godfather to Miller's children.
Jackson was the 18th pick in the 1987 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. He was traded to Indiana in 1992 and formed an effective pairing with Miller. The Knicks and Pacers would seemingly meet in the Eastern Conference Playoffs every year in the 90s, but Miller's clutch shooting ensured Indiana mostly dominated the rivalry.
Jackson was shipped to the Denver Nuggets ahead of the 1996/1997 season but was traded back to the Pacers midseason with the team needing help to reach the playoffs (they missed out). He would remain in Indiana until 2000. Jackson currently ranks sixth on the NBA's all-time assists list behind only John Stockton, Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, LeBron James, and Steve Nash.
Miller, who turns 60 later this year, was also part of the 1987 Draft class (selected by Indiana). The five-time All-Star retired with the most made threes in NBA history. NBC announced earlier this year that they would be poaching Miller from TNT, securing one of the sport's premier broadcasters ahead of their re-debut campaign starting in the fall.
“It’s good to be HOME, NBC Sports...and hello, Peacock!" Miller said of the move. "Some of my most memorable moments have been on NBC, and I’m looking forward to creating more."
“Having provided so many memorable moments on NBC during his playing days, it’s only fitting that Reggie will join our team as the NBA returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock,” NBC Sports Executive Producer Sam Flood said of acquiring Miller.
“As basketball fans know, not only was Reggie one of the game’s greatest shooters and clutch performers, but he was also one of its most entertaining players with a unique combination of skill and swagger. He has successfully brought those traits to his broadcasting career and consistently provides viewers with in-depth analysis while pulling no punches."