Tom Tolbert’s vast experience on the basketball court in both college and as an NBA professional has served him well as a sports broadcaster. In 1988, he was a second-round draft pick by the Charlotte Hornets, kicking off a colorful career. Tom’s stories of his playing life in the National Basketball Association, along with his insights into the workings of professional basketball and pro sports in general have entertained his radio audiences for many years, through many changes in radio.
Tom joined KNBR in 1996 after a multi-year NBA career that included a three-year stop with the Golden State Warriors from 1989-1992. Tom gained popularity while working with the late BARHOF member Ralph Barbieri on the “Razor and Mr.T” show until 2012. After Ralph Barbieri left KNBR, Tolbert hosted the show alongside longtime Bay Area columnist Ray Ratto, and later with John Lund, then Larry Kreuger and Rod Brooks. More recently he worked with Adam Copeland on the “Tolbert and Copes” afternoon show. Tom was deemed a “free agent” by KNBR and released in November 2024.
Tolbert has also been a television announcer and color commentator for the NBA on ESPN, receiving an Emmy nomination for his work, and he also served as an NBA commentator for NBC and ABC. In 2003 Tolbert, along with Brad Nessler and Bill Walton, called the NBA Finals telecasts. Tom lives in Alameda with his wife and three children.