Overview
- ESPN and ABC confirmed Tuesday that the networks will run two separate NBA Draft broadcasts with an ABC feed hosted by Kevin Negandhi and analysts Kenny Smith, Jay Williams, and Richard Jefferson and a main ESPN feed led by Malika Andrews with Jay Bilas, Tim Legler, Andraya Carter, and Bobby Marks.
- Kenny Smith will appear on ABC under a contributor arrangement that keeps him employed by TNT while allowing guest spots on ESPN programming, marking his first NBA Draft role since 2002.
- ESPN modeled the plan on its NFL Draft approach so the ABC telecast will emphasize player and family features while the ESPN feed focuses on traditional draft analysis and breaking news.
- Tim Legler replaces Kendrick Perkins on the ESPN desk and Lisa Salters is set as a reporter for night one with Vanessa Richardson handling interviews on night two.
- Broad interest in the draft is heightened by a top prospect class and recent league moves such as the reported Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, which will give both broadcasts extra storylines and may signal more flexible talent and licensing deals between networks.