Sage Steele to Host ESPN's 'NBA Countdown'

ESPN's NBA Countdown will have a host for the first time in three years, as SportsCenter anchor Sage Steele will join the NBA pregame show this season as part of a new multi-year deal with the network.

Steele replaces Earvin "Magic" Johnson on Countdown, who left the show a couple weeks ago. Steele joins former Philadelphia 76ers coach Doug Collins as new editions to the show, teaming with Grantland editor-in-chief Bill Simmons and analyst Jalen Rose. Steele will host the Friday and Sunday editions of the show, while the
Wednesday edition will feature a new lineup of Doris Burke, new hire
Avery Johnson and Jalen Rose.

"Sage is a dynamic, engaging personality and an avid follower of the NBA," said John Wildhack, ESPN's executive VP of production. "She has a proven track record hosting our NBA coverage, and, on Countdown, she'll help facilitate insightful discussion amongst her new teammates Doug Collins, Jalen Rose and Bill Simmons."