The Post has learned that the ESPN is now turning into a known face as it remakes its own coverage, after Maria Taylor’s departure as the host of the top NBA pregame shows.
According to sources, for the host of “NBA Countdown” Taylor will be replaced by Mile Greenberg, which means that for the coveted position of hosting The Finals, he will be on point.
According to the sources, for the biggest games Stephen A. Smith, Michael Wilbon, Jalen Rose and Magic Johnson will join Greenberg.
ESPN is banking on some of its biggest daily marquee names to bring panache to its top pregame that is often compared to TNT’s legendary “Inside The NBA.” In its two decades of owning the NBA’s rights, ESPN has constantly made changes on its top studio show.
ESPN has been banking on some of its biggest daily marquee names so that it brings panache at the top of the pregame that is usually compared to TNT’s legendary “Inside The NBA.” ESPN has been consistently making changes on it’s top studio show since it’s two decades of owning the rights of NBA.
Greenberg, who has a $6.5 million per year contract with ESPN and hosts daily TV and radio shows as well as the NFL Draft, has never hosted a major pregame show for the network.
On the other hand, Smith who is ESPN’s $12 million man, has pushed Wilbon and Johnson to form their own Countdown “Big 3” with him. Smith will have his wish granted.
The regular co-host of ESPN TV talk show, Rose, is the only panelist from last season’s show who has returned. Rose’s spot on the show had been in doubt, but he will now begin his 10th season on the show, which is quite an accomplishment considering the show’s constant revolving casts.