Basketball fans aren't exactly thrilled with ESPN's coverage of the 2026 NBA Draft.
It was announced earlier this month that ESPN's Malika Andrews would host the network's draft coverage alongside analysts Jay Bilas, Tim Legler and Andraya Carter. NBA insider Shams Charania, meanwhile, has been tasked with providing updates on all the latest buzz regarding potential trades.
During the first hour of the NBA Draft, countless fans aired out their complaints about ESPN. They found their coverage to be a bit boring despite the fact the 2026 draft class is loaded with potential stars such as Cam Boozer, AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson.
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"Why are they interviewing the newly drafted NBA players and their parents? Such ridiculous conversations. 'Are you proud of your son? Tell us about that.' What do you think they will say? Snooze fest but nothing new from ESPN," one fan said.
"Had to turn off the NBA draft because of Malika Andrews. ESPN do better please," a second fan commented.
"Wow. ESPN and the NBA really decided to run it back with this boring draft night coverage," another fan wrote.
"ESPN really missed a shot (pun intended) to have the INSIDE THE NBA crew do an altcast for the NBA Draft," another person suggested.
Don't expect changes for Night 2.
The second round of the 2026 NBA Draft will begin Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET. Despite the outrage online, there won't be any changes to ESPN's crew.
"Malika Andrews will return to host ESPN’s coverage of the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 24, beginning at 8 p.m. on ESPN," the network said in a press release. "She will once again be joined by Jay Bilas, Bobby Marks, Shams Charania and Fran Fraschilla, as well as Brian Windhorst, Iman Shumpert and King McClure, while Vanessa Richardson will serve as reporter for the evening."
Hopefully, ESPN's telecast of the draft ramps up over the next 24 hours.
