Photo: Denver Nuggets/X

Former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is joining the NBA Countdown pregame show, ESPN confirmed this week.

According to Ben Axelrod of Awful Announcing, ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro announced Malone’s hiring on Tuesday during an appearance at Front Office Sports’ Tuned In Summit.

After being dismissed from his coaching duties late last season, Malone served as a guest commentator for ESPN during the playoffs.

He drew attention during the broadcast when he praised Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, saying the guard “showed why he’s the MVP.”

Malone later clarified his remarks, emphasizing that he would have voted for his former player, Nikola Jokic, in the MVP race.

Malone, 54, had also been in consideration for other coaching opportunities. He was reportedly a candidate to replace Tom Thibodeau in New York before Mike Brown was hired.

With no other head coaching positions currently open, Malone has decided to focus on broadcasting, bringing his extensive NBA experience to the analyst role.

It remains unclear what adjustments will be made to the NBA Countdown lineup, Axelrod notes.

Malika Andrews hosted both versions of the show last season, joined by Stephen A. Smith, Bob Myers, and Kendrick Perkins on ABC broadcasts, while Perkins, Chiney Ogwumike, Richard Jefferson, Brian Windhorst, and Tim Legler formed the panel on ESPN games.

With Jefferson promoted to the network’s top broadcast team, Malone may step into his spot.

The former coach brings a wealth of experience to the role. He spent one year as head coach in Sacramento and ten with the Denver Nuggets, compiling a career record of 510-394 and leading the team to the 2023 NBA championship.

Before that, he served 13 years as an assistant coach with the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Hornets, and Golden State Warriors.

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