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Kenny Smith joins ESPN's 2026 NBA Draft coverage team

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 1:20 PM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Kenny Smith joins ESPN's 2026 NBA Draft coverage team

Summary

ESPN has announced that Kenny Smith will join their coverage team for the 2026 NBA Draft, which is expected to feature top prospects like AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer. This marks Smith's first NBA Draft appearance since 2002. ESPN is making significant changes to its broadcast lineup, replacing former personalities with analysts Jay Williams, Richard Jefferson, and Smith. The network will offer two feeds, with the ABC crew focusing on different aspects of the draft compared to the main ESPN set, which will feature traditional coverage led by host Malika Andrews. Following the recent trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, the draft is anticipated to carry heavy interest from fans and analysts alike.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Kenny Smith joins the 2026 NBA Draft coverage team on ESPN.
•This is Smith's first draft appearance since 2002.
•Top prospects include AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer.
•Giannis Antetokounmpo was recently traded to the Miami Heat.
•ESPN will provide two different feeds for the draft coverage.

Latest Updates

1:20 PMYahoo Sports — Kenny Smith joins retooled ESPN NBA Draft coverage

What they're saying

"
The 2026 NBA Draft may be one of the most highly-anticipated in years given the starpower at the top of the class. And ESPN is pulling out all the stops in coverage by adding a prominent Inside the NBA teammate to the coverage. As noted by Sports Media Watch, ESPN is retooling the ABC portion of their…
— Yahoo Sports

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