Everything You Need To Know About ESPN's Coverage Of The 2009 NBA Draft

Every year, I post this little rundown of ESPN's Draft plans, and every year the number of people covering the event grows by four or five. We know that they've lost one person this year, in Stephen A. Smith (frowny face), so who are they going to replace him with? Well the answer is actually nobody. In fact, there are only going to be eleven ESPNers covering the event this year. Here's the list....

Main Stage: Stuart Scott, Jay Bilas, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy
Other Analysts: Fran Fraschilla, Dick Vitale
On-site Reporters: Ric Bucher, Andy Katz
Green Room Interviewers: Mark Jones, Lisa Salters, Rachel Nichols

Pretty obvious group there, but I'm surprised that neither Jon Barry, Magic Johnson or Michael Wilbon, is involved. But why would you need the majority of your studio team at the Draft? Other than that, it's going to be your pretty standard ESPN Draft production. You'll still have the crawl going during commercials, Bilas' "Best Available, Fran Fraschilla on the International prospects and video conferencing with fifteen NBA teams (Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Indiana, Los Angeles Clippers, L.A. Lakers, Memphis, Minnesota, New Jersey, Phoenix, Portland and Washington). Oh and here's your early look at the intro for this year as well....