Report: Blazers Bringing Kevin Calabro Back, Replacing Jordan Kent

The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly returning to a new old broadcaster, replacing current television play-by-play announcer Jordan Kent with his predecessor, Kevin Calabro. John Canzano of The Oregonian tweeted the news this morning,

Calabro served as lead broadcaster for the Blazers from 2016 through 2020. He replaced long-time figure Mike Barrett in the role. Calabro stepped away from the position in 2020, citing concerns about COVID and a desire to spend more time with his family. He is best known for his work with the Seattle Supersonics and for national broadcasts across various networks.

Kent stepped in when Calabro departed, forming a solid team with television analyst Lamar Hurd. Apparently his first year in the Trail Blazers broadcast seat will be his only one. A former football standout with the Oregon Ducks and Seattle Seahawks, Kent provided commentary for several Pac-12 college sports before taking the position with the Blazers.

UPDATE: According to Joe Freeman of the Oregonian, the hope is that Calabro will finish his career in Portland, but as of now, neither side has reached an agreement. Additionally, the separation is not a criticism of Kent’s performance.

“Our broadcast was as its best when Kevin was calling games with Lamar and (sideline reporter) Brooke (Olzendam),” a Blazers source told The Oregonian/OregonLive. “It’s really more about being able to get Kevin back and be a great broadcast than anything Jordan did or didn’t do.”