ESPN NBA Coverage Faces Backlash Over Stephen A. Smith, Draft Errors

ESPN's NBA coverage in 2025 has faced significant criticism from fans and insiders, largely due to the dominant and often negative presence of Stephen A. Smith. During the NBA Finals, Smith's loud and provocative commentary overshadowed strategic analysis, leading to frustration among viewers and a call for more balanced coverage, as noted by former Warriors GM Bob Myers and media critic Richard Deitsch. The 2025 NBA Draft coverage further compounded this dissatisfaction, with ESPN making a notable error by misidentifying players and Smith's commentary being seen as distracting and out of touch. Additionally, NBA Countdown's future appears uncertain, with co-host Malika Andrews' ambiguous sign-off fueling speculation that the show might end or be replaced by TNT's Inside The NBA, which fans generally prefer due to criticism of Smith and Kendrick Perkins. Despite the media backlash, the Oklahoma City Thunder's championship win and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP performance were celebrated highlights, with personal moments from his family captivating fans. Overall, ESPN's approach has sparked widespread debate about the balance between entertainment and genuine basketball analysis in their NBA broadcasts.