NBA Countdown announces new cast including Stephen A. Smith and Malika Andrews in huge shake-up ahea

May 2024 ยท 2 minute read

ESPN has revealed a new look lineup for the 2023 season of NBA Countdown.

Running since 2002, the pregame show is set to be hosted on a full-time basis by rising star, Malika Andrews.

The NBA Today host will be joined by returning faces Michael Wilbon, Adrian Wojnarowski, and Stephen A. Smith, according to the network.

Another new face to the lineup is two-time NBA Executive of the Year, Bob Myers.

He joins ESPN having worked for the Golden State Warriors from 2012 to 2023 as general manager, leading the franchise to four NBA Championships.

Andrews and Myers replace Mike Greenberg, who has stepped away from the show, and Jalen Rose, who was let go by ESPN, respectively.

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As for Wednesday and Friday editions of the popular show, Richard Jefferson, Kendrick Perkins, Chiney Ogwumike, and Wojnarowski will all work alongside Andrews.

The lead commentators have also changed, with Doris Burke and Doc Rivers joining Mike Breen to replace the ousted Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy.

Burke has worked in broadcasting for over three decades, while Rivers is a former NBA All-Star as a player and NBA Champion as a coach.

These changes come as the network continues to undergo major personnel changes in an attempt to cut costs.

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This has resulted in multiple high-profile departures including the likes of Keyshawn Johnson and Max Kellerman.

And last month, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that the company is considering bringing in a "strategic partner" for ESPN.

"We have a great brand, we've had a great business, and we want to stay in that business.

"That said, we're going to be open-minded there too.

"Not necessarily spinning ESPN off, but about looking for strategic partners that could either help us with distribution, or content," Iger told CNBC.

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