Previously, ESPN insiders were free to report NBA Draft picks as soon as they learned of themNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
ESPN has "instructed its reporters to refrain from revealing picks on social media before they’re announced" at the NBA Draft tonight, "breaking with how the network has operated in the past," according to sources cited by Alex Putterman of AWFUL ANNOUNCING. Previously, ESPN insiders were "free to report NBA Draft picks as soon as they learn of them -- in contrast to how things work during the NFL Draft." NBA Exec VP/Communications Mike Bass in a statement said, “We spoke with our media partners about our preference that ESPN’s exclusive broadcast rights be honored, but each organization will make its own editorial decisions.” A source said that other NBA partners, including Turner Sports and Yahoo, will also "not tip picks." It is "likely no coincidence that this reversal from ESPN and the NBA coincides" with Adrian Wojnarowski’s arrival at ESPN in '17. It is "worth noting" that Wojnarowski would have "likely been held back from reporting picks on social media even without this new policy, given that he will appear on the draft broadcast itself and ESPN" (AWFULANNOUNCING.com, 6/20). In Chicago, Phil Rosenthal noted Wojnarowski during past Drafts has "made sport of undercutting the formal presentation via Twitter, reporting selections as he learned them along with news of draft-night trades, often ahead of the official announcements." He is as "valuable as he is because he’s good at getting ahead of NBA news no matter who would prefer it not get out yet" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/19).
ROOKIE AMONG ROOKIES: ESPN’s Maria Taylor will be a fresh face on the Draft tonight, handling post-selection interview duties. Taylor said, “It’s their moment, I just want them to shine.” She said of prep work, "The biggest thing is knowing them ahead of time. I worked the Combine this year where we did a lot of sit down interviews to get know what these couple months are like for these guys mentally and what they learn about themselves through the process. I can then use that and frame the questions in that way to see if I can get some of the emotion that you want to hear." Taylor also could have a few extra duties. She added, "If they need someone to go over to the touch screen while Bobby Marks does his front-office analysis, I may get to do some of that" (Thomas Leary, Staff Writer).
WELCOME TO THE TEAM: In Seattle, Percy Allen noted Univ. of Washington men's coach Mike Hopkins "will be part of Yahoo Sports’ live NBA draft coverage," replacing Georgia coach Tom Crean on the broadcast. Hopkins "will join" Yahoo NBA reporters Shams Charania and Chris Mannix, college basketball reporter Pete Thamel and former Hawks GM Wes Wilcox. This is the "third year Yahoo will provide streaming coverage of the NBA draft" (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/16).
