Costas-Thomas No. 1 at NBC

NBC announced Tuesday that Bob Costas and Isiah Thomas will make up its No. 1 announcing team on the NBA this season. They make their debut on a Miami-Chicago game on Christmas. NBC begins regular Sunday coverage Jan. 18.

The hiring of Thomas by NBC comes as no surprise, since he had given that as a reason for resigning as general manager and part-owner of the Toronto Raptors last week. But it’s surprising he was made the No. 1 commentator, considering his lack of experience.

Dick Ebersol, NBC president, said Thomas was given a two-year contract. Thomas, who will also do sports business reporting for CNBC, reportedly will make $600,000 a year. He was making $900,000 with the Raptors.

Costas replaces Marv Albert, who was fired by NBC after he pleaded guilty to sex-abuse charges.

Greg Gumbel, Bill Walton and Steve Jones will be the No. 2 team, with Tom Hammond, Dan Issel and Matt Guokas on the third team. Guokas, NBC’s No. 1 commentator the last four seasons, will also at times be used on NBC’s pregame show. Hannah Storm will replace Costas as the main host of the pregame show.