PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - OCTOBER 24: Radio Broadcaster Brian Sieman attends LA Clippers Foundation Charity Golf Classic on October 24, 2016 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for Play Golf Designs Inc. )
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 21: A detailed view of the NBA logo is seen on the back of the practice suit of Jakob Poeltl #42 of the Toronto Raptors prior to the NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on November 21, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers defeated the Raptors 123-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
How did you get into sports broadcasting?
"I had an interest in being a sports broadcaster at an early age. I fell in love with the NBA when I was 8 or 9 and wanted to talk basketball all day. I loved the thought of being the voice of a team and being the narrator of the season. I was absolutely spellbound by the game and the NBA in the 80’s. I never thought about doing anything else. Got lucky that it all worked out."
How long have you been doing the Clippers radio broadcast and how did you land that job?
"This upcoming season with be my 12th (!) with the team. Crazy how time flies. I interviewed for the position in 2005, but they gave it to a more accomplished announcer at the time. A couple of weeks later they called me back and told me that before my career was done, I’d be a Clipper. I didn’t believe them. Funny how things can work out. In 2006, I was tabbed for the Minnesota Timberwolves job after having worked for them for a number of years calling their WNBA team and filling in on the radio side, as well as TV sidelines on occasion. However, they only offered a 1 year contract. Just before my contract with the Wolves expired in 2007, the Clippers called me and asked if I’d be interested in moving to Los Angeles calling games for the Clips. Best decision I’ve ever made."
Have you worked with any other professional sports teams?
"I’ve worked for 3 major league teams (2 NBA, 1 WNBA), but a few minor league teams as well. I thought the minor leagues helped shape not only who I am on the air, but off the air as well in a team sense. In the minors, play-by-play announcers are not JUST announcers. They sell tickets, advertising, do public appearances, etc. It’s something that is important to me to carry over here in the NBA. There are announcers that only call games, but I’m always happy to help any of the departments in the organization when I can. That minor league mentality helps me feel more of a part of the organization and not someone who just shows up for 4 hours a night then goes home. Also, having relationships with as many other Clipper employees helps you through the rough times and enjoy the great times even more."
Were you Clippers fan before you joined the broadcast team?
"I actually was, in a low-key way. After I interviewed in 2005, I was cheering for their success. They had a cool team that year with Sam, Elton, Cory, and Kaman. But in 2006 when I was in Minnesota, I was probably more quiet about my feelings for obvious reasons."
What has been your favorite Clippers moment since calling games for the team?
"Great times all the way through. But, the one memory that stands out is Gm 1 in 2012 vs Memphis. It was that groups first trip to the playoffs, my first time as well. I’ll be honest, I thought both teams were equal, but that Memphis’ experience the year before would be the difference. The crowd in Memphis was positively nuts, wild, filled with hatred for anyone not associated with the city of Memphis. It was great. After the Clips were down 27 in the 2nd half, I thought my feelings of the Grizzlies being the better team was correct. Then, madness ensued. I was in disbelief as the comeback became more reality than fantasy. 27 down to 20, 12, 6, 3, 1, LEAD!!!??? I was in shock when Rudy Gay’s last second jumper missed. It was a good 2 or 3 days before I came down from that game. An All-Timer."
