When ESPN decided to lay off members of its on-air talent staff, industry professionals and sports fans were left wondering just who would be part of the round. In the end, ESPN informed various members of its NBA coverage that they would not be back on the air with the network next season. Some of these personalities include Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, with NBA analyst Vince Carter also reportedly expected not to have his contract renewed.
The network also reportedly shuffled its NBA Countdown cast, adding Malika Andrews as the host due to Mike Greenberg’s busy schedule. Moreover, the new lead commentary booth is rumored to include Doris Burke and Doc Rivers along with play-by-play voice Mike Breen, although nothing has been confirmed by ESPN.
Based on what has been reported thus far, Warner Bros. Discovery’s NBA coverage will largely remain the same next year. The award-winning studio program Inside the NBA will return with host Ernie Johnson and analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny “The Jet” Smith and Shaquille O’Neal. While he was attending a youth basketball camp on Long Island, Smith spoke with Front Office Sports about what he was seeing from afar as it pertains to the “Worldwide Leader.”
“I’m not really sure how [ESPN is] doing it. I’m not really versed on why they’re doing all their cuts and how – is it budgetary? Because certain guys are getting let go, and then you hire someone else for money,” Smith said, likely referencing Pat McAfee, who will bring his digital program across ESPN’s multiple platforms. “I have no idea why they’re doing it, but stability is what brings success.”
The quartet on Inside the NBA has worked together for 11 seasons, which was preceded by 13 seasons where Smith worked with Johnson and other analysts. Barkley joined the show in 2000, and the show implemented various third analysts over the years before O’Neal, including Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Reggie Miller and Chris Webber. Since then, the show’s cast has remained the same, contrasting with NBA Countdown.
ESPN’s studio program previously introduced a new lineup before the 2021-22 season of Greenberg, Rose, Stephen A. Smith and Michael Wilbon. Longevity in sports media is becoming an increased anomaly as the business model undergoes different alterations, but Smith believes when a show is able to resonate with its audience over an extended period of time, it sets it apart.
“People can count on certain things, [and] I think that’s what makes us the best show on television,” Smith said. “We have stability [and] we’re entertaining, but more importantly, we have stability. We have guys that you really can count on that know the game.”
Smith knows that whenever he shows up to the network’s Atlanta studios for another night of basketball commentary, banter and entertainment, he will have a good time. He shares a close bond with his co-workers and is excited for what should be an exciting NBA season, complete with a new in-season tournament and rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.
“That’s family – we’re not even a show anymore,” Smith said of Inside the NBA. “It is what Monday Night Football was when I was growing up with Howard Cosell and those guys – we’ve become that for basketball. It’s just an unbelievable accomplishment and a great energy that every time you walk into the studio, you’re happy to be there.”
