(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The San Antonio Spurs have built a strong culture and have become one of the most beloved franchises in the NBA.
That isn’t just because of the people on the team and coaching staff but also because of the people affiliated with the franchise.
According to ClutchPoints, Bill Land, the longtime Spurs TV play-by-play announcer, is retiring.
After 21 seasons, Land is stepping away from announcing following his diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer.
Bill Land, the Spurs’ lead play-by-play announcer, says this upcoming NBA season will be his last after 21 seasons, the team announced
Land’s retirement follows the announcement of his diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, in 2023. pic.twitter.com/YWJ71QfE2b
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 21, 2024
For fans, Land has been a staple of the Spurs and is known for his colorful commentary, including his phrase, “Oh Mama!” which has become part of the sports lexicon.
He has been with the team through their surge to the top of the Western Conference standings and through multiple championship runs and was on hand to witness the rises of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and others.
He was also calling the historic game when the Spurs sold out the Alamodome recently in 2023.
Land got his start with the Spurs back in the 1990s when he was a fill-in announcer and then slowly earned a more prominent role in the early 2000s.
Before long, he was one of the most celebrated announcers in the NBA.
His health issues have taken up a lot of his time recently.
Land underwent treatment for his cancer diagnosis a few months ago and plans to remain in San Antonio with his family.
The team will miss him and wishes him the best, especially in regards to his recovery.
His voice and presence courtside will be greatly missed but he will remain a part of Spurs’ history forever.
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