FIRST Take fans were less than impressed with the show’s decision not to lead the NBA Draft.
ESPN’s popular sports talk show was broadcast live on Thursday from its temporary facility in Bristol, Connecticut.
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In another change, regular host Molly Qerim was absent, leaving Christine Williamson to take over the day alongside co-host Stephen A. Smith.
As for the topic of discussion to start the show, they went with the obvious pick from the previous night’s NBA Draft.
Instead, the decision was made to start with Smith’s beloved New York Knicks, who reportedly re-signed OG Anunoby on Wednesday, having traded for Mikal Bridges the day before.
Viewers were apparently frustrated with the decision, turning to X to vent.
“First Take didn’t even start the show talking about the Draft!!” one fan tweeted.
“The New York Knicks were the only team participating in the Draft last night, #FirstTake?” he asked for a second.
While another said: “First lead with the Knicks roster instead of the NBA Draft?? Are you serious? @ESPN.”
After a ten-minute debate about the Knicks’ potential in 2024, the topic changed to the first round of the Draft.
New Orleans Pelicans star and guest analyst CJ McCollum weighed in first on which rookie he thought would make the biggest impact next season.
His vote went to former Tennessee star Dalton Knecht, who was selected 17th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers — who are now led by former First Take regular JJ Redick.
“I think with the addition of JJ Redick to this team, he was already drafting ATLs and pin downs. Who better to shape Dalton than arguably one of the best off-ball shooters of all time?” McCollum suggested.
“He is aggressive, athletic, confident, he will be able to play with the ball, LeBron [James] It is [Anthony Davis] will have so much gravity that it will open things up for him, Austin Reaves and [D’Angelo Russell] if DLo is coming back.”
Atypically for First Take, Smith apparently agreed with McCollum’s choice.
But as for fellow guest Kendrick Perkins, he opted for Rob Dillingham.
First look at the numbers
First Take has grown from strength to strength under the guidance of Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim over the past year.
ESPN’s weekday debate show averaged 496,000 viewers in 2023 — making it the most-watched year in the show’s history.
Its December average of 611,000 represented a 24% annual increase compared to 2022.
The show has also recorded more than 250 million views on YouTube.
First Take was helped by the addition of Shannon Sharpe alongside Smith and Qerim after he left Fox Sports’ Undisputed.
The former Kentucky star was selected eighth overall by the San Antonio Spurs before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Perkins labeled him “a liability,” believing he could have a scoring impact similar to Brooklyn Nets star Cam Thomas.
“He’s going to be something special and have a serious impact for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season,” Perkins predicted.
Looking ahead, the First Take team will have another opportunity to address the latest Draft news after the second round on Thursday.
Kickoff is scheduled for New York at 4pm ET.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
