NBA Coverage
ESPN unveils new NBA Countdown team without Stephen A. Smith
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ESPN has announced a revamped 'NBA Countdown' lineup for the 2025-26 season, excluding longtime contributor Stephen A. Smith. The new team, led by host Malika Andrews, includes analysts Brian Windhorst, Kendrick Perkins, and Michael Malone, with Shams Charania making regular appearances. Smith has clarified that the change aligns with his contract negotiations and other commitments.
Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever star and former Iowa Hawkeye, will appear as a special contributor on NBC Sports' new Basketball Night in America pregame show starting February 1. She will provide analysis alongside Hall of Famers Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady, hosted by Maria Taylor. Clark's involvement highlights her growing influence across basketball media.
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Michael Jordan will continue his limited involvement in NBC's NBA coverage as a special contributor, focusing on pre-taped interviews rather than live game analysis. The series 'MJ: Insights to Excellence' features Jordan sharing personal reflections on the game and critiquing modern NBA practices like load management. This comes as part of NBC/Peacock's new 11-year, $27 billion deal with the NBA.