Stephen A. Smith is a moneymaker for ESPN. His hilarious rants and hot takes are pure gold for ratings and the network knows that.
So, now that they’re going to a bit of restructuring and that Max Kellerman will no longer be on the show, they need to pick the right sidekick for First Take. Meanwhile, Stephen A. is trying to make moves on his own.
According to a recent report, Stephen A. wants both Michael Wilbon and Magic Johnson to join him on NBA Countdown moving forward:
“Report: Stephen A. Smith wants to team up with Magic Johnson potentially on NBA Countdown: “Smith’s ideal setup would be to have a Big 3 that also includes “Pardon the Interruption” co-host Michael Wilbon, who often works alongside Smith on SportsCenter”,” reported Andrew Marchand.
Report: Stephen A. Smith wants to team up with Magic Johnson potentially on NBA Countdown;
“Smith’s ideal setup would be to have a Big 3 that also includes “Pardon the Interruption” co-host Michael Wilbon, who often works alongside Smith on SportsCenter.”
(via @AndrewMarchand) pic.twitter.com/swFL6sg3nF
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) August 26, 2021
That would be an interesting trio, that’s for sure. Wilbon isn’t one to mince his words or shy away from controversies, just like Smith, so he’d be a worthy debate opponent.
As for Magic, well, he always seems to say the obvious on Twitter; but he’s tailor-made for television. He’s got the charisma, the insight, and firsthand knowledge of what’s going on in the sports world.
More importantly, that would mean that former NFL star Michael Irvin won’t be in the show. Not that we have anything against Irvin, but he’s maybe the only person who could out-shout Stephen A. Smith when he’s ranting.
Whoever they pick, we can be sure that Stephen A. will continue to steal the headlines with his hot takes and hilarious reactions to, well, everything.
