Michael Malone, the man who guided the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA title in 2023 and racked up over 500 career wins, is about to take on a new challenge—this time, with a microphone instead of a clipboard. ESPN confirmed this week that the 54-year-old former head coach is joining the network’s NBA Countdown pregame show, marking a major shift from the hardwood to the broadcast studio.
It was ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro who made the news official during his appearance at the Front Office Sports Tuned In Summit on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The announcement puts an exclamation point on what has been a whirlwind year for Malone, who was dismissed from his coaching duties by the Nuggets late in the 2024-2025 NBA season. Rather than immediately seeking another sideline, Malone embraced the analyst’s chair, serving as a guest commentator throughout the 2025 playoffs.
Malone’s on-air debut quickly generated buzz. During one memorable playoff broadcast, he didn’t hold back in his praise for Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, declaring that the guard “showed why he’s the MVP.” The comment set social media ablaze and prompted some heated barbershop debates. Still, Malone later clarified his stance, explaining, “I would have voted for Nikola Jokic,” referencing his former Nuggets superstar and the perennial MVP candidate. According to ESPN, Malone’s candor and insight made him an instant hit with viewers, and the network wasted no time in formalizing his role for the coming season.
The move to television comes after Malone’s name was floated in several coaching rumors over the summer. He was reportedly a candidate for the New York Knicks job before the franchise ultimately tapped Mike Brown as their new head coach. With no other head coaching positions available as of September 2025, Malone opted to focus on broadcasting, leveraging his deep NBA experience for a national audience hungry for authentic analysis.
Malone’s coaching résumé is nothing short of impressive. Over 11 seasons leading the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets, he compiled a 510-394 record—a testament to his consistency and adaptability. His crowning achievement, of course, was guiding Denver to the 2023 NBA championship, a milestone that cemented his legacy in the Mile High City. Before his head coaching days, Malone paid his dues as an assistant for 13 years, working alongside some of the league’s most respected names in New York, Cleveland, New Orleans, and Golden State. That breadth of experience, both as a strategist and motivator, is expected to translate well to the studio.
“Michael Malone brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and championship pedigree to our NBA Countdown team,” said ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro during the summit. “We’re thrilled to have him break down the game for our viewers.”
The addition of Malone to NBA Countdown comes at a time of transition for ESPN’s flagship basketball show. Last season, Malika Andrews anchored both the ABC and ESPN iterations, flanked by a rotating panel that included Stephen A. Smith, Bob Myers, and Kendrick Perkins on the ABC side, while Perkins, Chiney Ogwumike, Richard Jefferson, Brian Windhorst, and Tim Legler rounded out the ESPN crew. With Richard Jefferson and Tim Legler both promoted to the network’s top broadcast team for the upcoming season, there’s a prime seat open for Malone to fill. While ESPN has yet to announce the exact lineup, industry insiders suggest Malone is the frontrunner to step into Jefferson’s former chair.
For Malone, the move is as much about reinvention as it is about staying connected to the game he loves. “Coaching was my passion for so many years, but I’ve found a new way to share my perspective and help fans understand what’s happening on the court,” Malone said during a recent interview with Awful Announcing. “Breaking down the X’s and O’s, discussing player development, and giving viewers a window into the locker room—that’s what excites me now.”
Malone’s journey from assistant to champion head coach, and now to national broadcaster, is a testament to his adaptability. He started his NBA career as an assistant with the New York Knicks, learning the ropes under seasoned veterans. Stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Hornets, and Golden State Warriors followed, giving him a front-row seat to some of the league’s most dynamic eras. When he finally got his shot as a head coach in Sacramento, Malone quickly established a reputation for defensive grit and player development, even if the wins didn’t always come easily with the Kings.
It was in Denver, though, where Malone’s star truly rose. Over a decade with the Nuggets, he transformed the franchise from perennial also-rans into legitimate contenders. The 2023 championship run, powered by Nikola Jokic’s brilliance and a deep, versatile roster, was the culmination of years of patient building and tactical innovation. Malone’s ability to connect with players—whether it was nurturing Jokic’s unique skill set or helping Jamal Murray recover from injury—became a hallmark of his coaching style.
But as every coach knows, success is fleeting in the NBA. Following a rollercoaster 2024-2025 campaign and a disappointing playoff exit, the Nuggets decided to part ways with Malone. While some speculated he’d quickly land another sideline gig, Malone instead found a new voice as a television analyst. His playoff commentary, especially his candid takes on MVP voting and player performances, resonated with fans and executives alike.
“He’s not afraid to speak his mind, and that’s exactly what we want on NBA Countdown,” said one ESPN producer, who requested anonymity. “He’s got the credibility of a champion, but he’s also relatable—he tells it like it is.”
As for NBA Countdown itself, the show enters the 2025-2026 season with plenty of intrigue. Malika Andrews is expected to return as host, while Stephen A. Smith, Bob Myers, and Kendrick Perkins remain fixtures on the ABC side. The ESPN panel is still taking shape, but with Tim Legler and Richard Jefferson moving up, Malone’s arrival promises a fresh perspective and a dash of championship pedigree. Viewers can expect spirited debates, deep dives into strategy, and maybe even a few surprises along the way.
With the NBA’s new season just around the corner, all eyes will be on Malone as he trades the playbook for the teleprompter. Will his coaching insights elevate the broadcast? Can he bring the same intensity and preparation to the studio that defined his teams on the court? One thing’s for sure: Michael Malone’s next chapter is just getting started, and basketball fans everywhere will be tuning in to see how it unfolds.
