Media

Kyle Draper is leaving NBC Sports Boston

The NBC Sports Boston studio. Courtesy photo

November 30, 2020

Kyle Draper, who brought an energetic approach to NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics studio programming the past seven seasons, is leaving to become a play-by-play announcer and host for the Sacramento Kings.

The Kings announced Draper’s hiring Monday afternoon. He will be the Kings’ additional play-by-play announcer. Longtime ESPN voice Mark Jones was recently named the team’s primary play-by-play voice. Draper will handle the play-by-play duties alongside analyst Doug Christie when Jones is on assignment for ESPN.

New chapter in my life. https://t.co/HAlUFcXfoi

— Kyle Draper (@KyleDraperTV) November 30, 2020

Draper joined NBC Sports Boston in 2009 as a SportsNet Central anchor. He began hosting Celtics studio programming during the 2013-14 seasons. Upbeat and opinionated, he built a quick rapport with analyst Brian Scalabrine in particular over the past couple of seasons. Draper also occasionally filled in for Mike Gorman as the play-by-play voice on the broadcasts.

“It is an honor to join the Kings broadcast team and I would like to thank [Kings owner and chairman] Vivek [Ranadivé] and the organization for this amazing opportunity,” said Draper. “For generations, Kings fans have demonstrated an incredible devotion to their team, and I can’t wait to connect with them while beginning a new chapter in Sacramento.”