T.I. and Hawk forward Josh Smith, looking suitably enthused (Getty Images)
Admittedly, we don't know the first thing about T.I. outside of his appearance in this Pete Holmes stand-up bit, and a quick and spirited perusal of his Wikipedia page leaves us, eh, still not knowing much about T.I. the rapper, sportsman, or burgeoning television journalist.
What we do know is that T.I., who has been spotted at Atlanta Hawks games for years, will be helping to call the action for at minimum the first half of Friday night's Hawks/Miami Heat tilt, apparently joining the very good Bob Rathbun and fellow Duane Ferrell on the call.
A press release announcing the addition also mentioned that: "T.I. will be available for media prior to the broadcast from 6:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.," but he'll probably just hide in the training room to avoid reporters pregame like most players do. I'd get taped up before hitting the airwaves, as well.
Unfortunately for those working without NBA's League Pass package, this is merely a locally televised game on Fox Sports South, and the free opening week of League Pass has ended. We at Ball Don't Lie will be tuning in to the action, mainly because the Hawks and Heat are two of the most entertaining teams in the NBA, and will be providing all manner of T.I. updates throughout the night as warranted.