Ernie Johnson’s Potential Replacement Emerges as ESPN Makes Major Inside the NBA Decision

For years, ESPN’s NBA Countdown tried to compete with Inside the NBA and never got close, even with names like Magic Johnson, Bill Simmons, Maria Taylor and Rachel Nichols, as Front Office Sports pointed out. Now ESPN airs the show it couldn’t beat, and it reportedly wants to keep it going after Ernie Johnson leaves. One surprising name has come up as a possible new host: Scott Van Pelt. Sources told FOS that ESPN plans to keep Inside the NBA running even if Johnson, Charles Barkley or both leave after this season.