ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith at the NBA Finals on July 11, 2021. Credit: TNS/Justin Casterline
ESPN unveiled the latest iteration of its "NBA Countdown" studio show on Wednesday night with a clear strategy in mind, one centered on familiarity and continuity.
The first part already has been achieved.
Stephen A. Smith, Mike Wilbon, Jalen Rose and host Mike Greenberg are among ESPN’s most visible personalities, and at times they will be joined by a retired player of some renown named Magic Johnson.
"Obviously, we’ve got a bunch of A-listers here," Smith told Newsday during an interview with the four main cast members before Wednesday night’s Celtics-Knicks opener at Madison Square Garden.