Tom Haberstroh
Credit: NBC Sports
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Tom Haberstroh is back covering LeBron James.
Fifteen years ago, Haberstroh was one of a trio of ESPN reporters who decamped in Miami to run the Heat Index for the Worldwide Leader, a constantly running live feed of news and content around the “Big Three” era of the Miami Heat. Haberstroh chronicled LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh through runs of growing pains and dominance en route to two NBA championships.
Now, Haberstroh is back covering James as the new sideline reporter for NBC Sports Philadelphia, as announced Thursday.
“Tom brings a rare combination of deep NBA knowledge, sharp analysis and an ability to connect the numbers to the stories that matter most to fans,” said Alexandra Matcham, VP of content for the network, in a statement.
Taryn Hatcher was the 76ers sideline reporter for NBC Sports Philadelphia until she was laid off in February.
Haberstroh was a national NBA insider for NBC Sports from 2018-20. He also was an “analytics insider” for Portland Trail Blazers television broadcasts from 2023 through last season.
The versatile Haberstroh now becomes the latest NBA reporter to join in on James’ arrival in Philadelphia. ESPN will have two reporters on the 76ers beat, while the Philadelphia Inquirer has long had two journalists full-time on the beat. The bustling Philly sports market also features WIP on the radio, Philly Voice, PHLY, and many others.
Beyond James, the sudden super team in Philadelphia also features 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid, 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, and two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey.
Even two-plus decades into James’ career, he still creates a cottage industry and media ecosystem wherever he plays. Leaving Los Angeles clearly did not change that.