Maria Taylor’s exit for NBC left ESPN with a big void on their NBA coverage that they are close to filling. Outkick’s Bobby Burack reports that the network narrowed their candidates for the new NBA Countdown host.
Sources told Burack Michael Eaves and Elle Duncan are on the shortlist of candidates to land the gig. There is a possibility the two could split the role with ESPN broadcasting NBA games on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays this season. The two hosts made the shortlist, but Duncan appears to have the upper hand.
“Sources tell OutKick that [Dave] Roberts is pushing for Duncan to host the program,” Burack wrote. “Roberts oversees the 6 p.m. SportsCenter that Duncan hosts.”
The two SportsCenter hosts don’t have a stranglehold on the role. Sources told Burack the final list of candidates is shortening but not finalized.
Taylor nailed down the role last year amidst controversy involving her and Rachel Nichols. The network removed Nichols from all ESPN NBA programming as she carries out the final year of her contract.
“Got to create a whole show and spend five years hanging out with some of my favorite people talking about one my favorite things.” Nichols tweeted last month. “An eternal thank you to our amazing producers & crew – The Jump was never built to last forever but it sure was fun. More to come…”
A new show to replace The Jump is also in the works, according to Burack. Malika Andrews is a leading candidate to host the show. She hosted The Jump while Nichols was away from the program. ESPN recently moved Dave Roberts into a new role as director of NBA production, and he is making his mark.
Roberts has a big decision to make as the network begins reshaping roles for their NBA talent.