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So in recognizing the power of speaking things into existence, while also admitting that I am acutely aware that there are millions of people who read The Root—many of whom are CEOs, powerful executives, public figures, and/or influential individuals in their own right—it comes as absolutely no surprise whatsoever that, according to a press release, provided to The Root, ESPN has announced a new show, NBA Today, and take a wild guess as to who the host will be!

ESPN is launching a new studio show NBA Today, beginning on Monday, October 18, just prior to the October 19 tipoff of the 2021-22 NBA regular season. ESPN NBA journalist Malika Andrews will host NBA Today as part of a new, multi-year contract extension. Andrews will be joined by ESPN NBA analysts Kendrick Perkins, Chiney Ogwumike, Vince Carter and ESPN Senior Writer Zach Lowe to form the NBA Today panel. Additionally, ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski and ESPN NBA Insider and Senior Writer Ramona Shelburne will be among several top ESPN NBA reporters contributing updates from around the league.

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Did I not call this?!

I TOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLD YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

Prior to the 2018-19 NBA season, Malika joined ESPN as a Midwest region reporter. During which, she covered the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls. But after crushing it in that role, she then pivoted to national reporting prior to the following season and eventually became one of the most prominent voices in sports as she chronicled the NBA Bubble from inside of it. And in following that same career trajectory, a year later, now she has a whole-ass daily TV show on ESPN. However, beyond the work she’ll put in on NBA Today, she’ll still continue to serve as a sideline reporter for NBA live event coverage, while also providing special reports and conducting exclusive interviews with key players.

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“It’s an incredible time to cover the NBA—a league that is full of characters and stories that have resonance far beyond the sports world,” she said in a statement provided to The Root. “Our goal every day is to deliver information and analysis to our viewers that can’t be gleaned anywhere else. I’m so excited to showcase the league and the talented reporters, analysts, and insiders on our team.”

“Malika, who is a phenomenally talented commentator, will run point on a show that will feature a vibrant cast of expert analysts who all offer distinct perspectives on the game,” David Roberts, ESPN Senior Vice President, NBA and Studio Production, said in a statement provided to The Root. “Through the contributions of our wide array of NBA reporters, the show will be both newsy and timely with an eye towards the biggest games around the league that day.”

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Moral of the story: Never in your life doubt me again.

Congrats, Malika!