Blazers Hire Seattle Voice to Replace Mike Barrett

The Portland Trail Blazers have announced their new television play-by-play man will be Kevin Calabro, who spent 21 years as a radio and television announcer for the Seattle SuperSonics.

While the team says Calabro takes over for Mike Barrett "who departed the Trail Blazers...after 13 years of calling Portland's games," a release earlier this week stated the team had made the decision to get rid of Barrett.

“It’s not often you get the chance to add someone of Kevin’s talent level to an organization, and we’re thrilled that he will lead our broadcast team as the new play-by-play announcer,” said Blazers President and CEO Chris McGowan. “Kevin won’t be a stranger to Trail Blazers fans thanks to his deep roots in the Pacific Northwest."

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When the SuperSonics left for Oklahoma City in 2008, Calabro stayed in Seattle, picking up work for ESPN Radio - he is currently the national post-season announcer for them - as well as Turner Broadcasting, NBA TV and Westwood One Radio for their NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament coverage.

He starts this coming season.