Turns out Bill Simmons needed ESPN more than ESPN needed Bill Simmons.
The shifting fortunes of the "Worldwide Leader in Sports" and its erstwhile columnist were on display again Monday as ESPN announced the return of Magic Johnson and Michael Wilbon to its "NBA Countdown" pregame show.
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Starting with ESPN's Christmas Day coverage, the former Lakers superstar will join Wilbon and anchor Sage Steele for the "NBA Countdown" pregame show (8 p.m. ET) before the "NBA Saturday Primetime" game telecasts on ABC this season (8:30 p.