There are going to be some major changes to ESPN’s NBA Countdown starting next season.
Essentially it is going to be a whole new group.
Here are the details.
SportsbyBrooks.com has learned from multiple sources that Michelle Beadle will not return as host of ESPN’s NBA Countdown next season.
Multiple sources also tell SportsbyBrooks.com that NBA Countdown analysts Chauncey Billups and Paul Pierce will not return to the show as full-time analysts but that Jalen Rose will remain on the show in his current capacity.
Rachel Nichols and Maria Taylor are the frontrunners to take over as host.
BSO can report that ESPN would love to have Dwyane Wade to come aboard and that it is quite possible that Stephen A. Smith and Michael Wilbon will have a role as well.
I reached out to ESPN for comment on the Sports By Brooks report and haven’t gotten a response as of it.
*UPDATE*
Here is ESPN’s official statement.
“Our whole NBA team is doing a great job and remains focused on an incredible NBA Finals and tomorrow night’s Game 6. We have made no decisions about what we are doing next season. After the season, and as we do with every sport, we will sit down and plan our entire NBA content offering across platforms.”
Flip the page for Paul Pierce’s lowlights on NBA Countdown.