The NBA season tips off this week. And ESPN announced Monday that recently-retired four-time NBA champion Andre Iguodala, journeyman guard Austin Rivers, reigning WNBA Coach of the Year Stephanie White and repeat WNBA champion head coach Becky Hammon will join the network’s NBA studio coverage this year.
Recently-fired Knicks general manager Scott Perry rounds out the new additions.
The worldwide leader once again mixed up its hoops coverage this fall. Doris Burke and Doc Rivers will replace Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, joining Mike Breen on the network’s top game broadcast team. Ryan Ruocco, Richard Jefferson and JJ Redick make up the number-two team (and maybe the main team down the road).
In the studio for NBA Countdown, Malika Andrews will take over anchor duties from Mike Greenberg. Stephen A. Smith is also out, while Jalen Rose was laid off this summer. Former NBA Executive of the Year Bob Myers will be on the show all season.
With so many weeknight packages in addition to its ABC slots on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, ESPN has a lot of NBA airtime to fill over the course of the season. Hammon was a studio analyst last year after her WNBA season wrapped up, and it’s common for ESPN to find others to fill in and get reps.
As for this group, it’s pretty promising. Iguodala is insightful and brings a wealth of experience across the NBA. Rivers is very forthright and comfortable speaking despite his clear desire to return to the league. Both have had their own podcasts, with Iguodala’s Point Forward recently moving to Vox/SB Nation.
Prior to returning to WNBA coaching, White did women’s basketball games for ESPN. And Hammon was part of the NBA crew last year.
Perry started as a college coach in 1988 before serving in NBA front offices for the past two-plus decades.
ESPN can never seem to settle into continuity with its NBA coverage year to year. But it’s hard to complain about the squad they’ve assembled for the 2023-24 season.
About Brendon Kleen
Brendon is a Media Commentary staff writer at Awful Announcing. He has also covered basketball and sports business at Front Office Sports, SB Nation, Uproxx and more.