Portland Trail Blazers hire Braiden Bell as new TV play-by-play announcer

The Portland Trail Blazers have hired 29-year-old Braiden Bell as their new television play-by-play announcer, team president Dewayne Hankins announced. Bell replaces longtime veteran Kevin Calabro, who departed after nine seasons with the franchise following contract negotiations. Bell will make his first appearance at Sunday's Fan Fest scrimmage at Moda Center.

Bell previously called games for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and the NBA G League's Valley Suns. He will join analyst Lamar Hurd and sideline reporter Brooke Olzendam on the television broadcast team, while Travis Demers continues solo radio duties.