After a tumultuous offseason full of rumors and speculation, ESPN announced on Thursday what its new studio teams will look like for NBA coverage. Much of what was confirmed was already speculated, but a few new and returning faces are a bit of a surprise.
Top billing goes to Rachel Nichols. Her show The Jump will not only be on ESPN’s weekday schedule, it will also become the on-site pregame show for ABC’s Saturday night primetime broadcasts beginning with Christmas Day’s Lakers and Clippers matchup in LA. Nichols will also serve as ABC and ESPN’s studio anchor during the NBA Playoffs.
Maria Taylor is adding NBA duties to her already full plate at ESPN. She will host NBA Countdown on ABC and ESPN. This will be in addition to her work on College Gameday and covering NCAA women’s basketball for ESPN.
Joining Taylor in the South Street Seaport studios will be Jalen Rose and Jay Williams. They will be the regular analysts on the show with Richard Jefferson and Paul Pierce also making frequent appearances.
Finally, Cassidy Hubbarth is back on ESPN’s NBA coverage. She will anchor Hoop Streams alongside 14-year NBA veteran Kendrick Perkins. Hoop Streams is ESPN’s digital pregame show, which will originate from the site of ABC’s NBA Saturday Primetime game and playoff games.
