ESPN announced five new NBA studio analysts just a day away from the tip-off of the new NBA season.
David Roberts, ESPN's head of event and studio production, made the sudden announcement during a press call on Oct. 23 that the network is adding more analysts to its studio shows like "SportsCenter" and "NBA Today."
These analysts include 2015 Finals MVP Andre Iguodala, who just announced his retirement from the NBA on Friday and Austin Rivers, who last played for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
They are also joined by two active WNBA coaches — Becky Hammon, who secured her second consecutive WNBA title with the Las Vegas Aces on Oct 8, and 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year Stephanie White of the Connecticut Sun.
Rounding out the quintet that ESPN announced is former New York Knicks general manager Scott Perry.
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The announcement comes just two months after news broke that ESPN was adding former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers to a studio analyst role.
Roberts explained that adding media members who were members of the NBA recently, like Iguodala and Myers, is an important addition for their coverage.
"Well, I think the currency factor is very relevant in the decision because I think that it serves the fans well when you have a coach just off the bench or you have someone like a Bob Myers who was the architect of four world championships, who just spent years, recent years, looking at the rosters and talking strategy about every one of his past competitors," Roberts said.
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But the additions also come less than four months after ESPN laid off around 20 on-air talents, including two of its lead NBA broadcasters, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson.
ESPN's first coverage of NBA games for the 2023-24 season starts on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time when the Boston Celtics face the New York Knicks. That will be the debut regular season game for its newest top broadcast trio of Mike Breen, Doris Burke, and Austin Rivers' father, Doc.
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