Malika Andrews sparked controversy at the 2023 NBA Draft after several of her decisions during the broadcast were met with criticism from viewers.
The backlash began when she opted to bring up Brandon Miller’s legal woes at Alabama in the midst of the Charlotte Hornets’ decision to draft him with the second overall pick.
Malika Andrews is like an encyclopedia of negativity pic.twitter.com/gUua1FLGod
— FlightMike (Mikerophone) (@TheFlightMike) June 22, 2023
Fans didn’t like that very much.
She sucks
— DaddyRich (@DaddyRich98) June 23, 2023
😂😂😂😂 she can’t help herself!!!
— Bill (@king_moodyy) June 23, 2023
Malika Andrews when it’s time to slander a brother on the world stage:pic.twitter.com/ap2Tqr4be4
— More Fiyah Angelou • 🪬 (@FiyahKixx) June 23, 2023
No one has brought up the story this entire time leading up to the NBA Draft or mentioned it as a factor in regard to Brandon Miller’s draft position.
Everyone knew he was going to be a top 3 pick, Malika’s just a hater, who loves to do this with men.
— CigarBaba (@CigarBaba777) June 23, 2023
But that wasn’t Andrews’ only perceived misstep of the evening. She also messed up a bit when the Orlando Magic selected Jett Howard out of Michigan. She referenced “Lansing” rather than “Ann Arbor,” seemingly confusing the Wolverines with the Michigan State Spartans.
Jett Howard: “From Lansing to the league” pic.twitter.com/JPj790XGVp
— Gfed (@Gfed33) June 23, 2023
It’s telling that during an evening where top overall pick Victor Wembanyama’s sister went mega-viral, Andrews still found a way to steal the show.
Big picture, obviously this isn’t the first time Andrews has found herself in the news cycle. Between her romance with one fellow ESPN employee and handsy encounter with another, she has been a permanent fixture in the headlines.
By any objective measure, Andrews is a star – which is why the Worldwide Leader in Sports pays her what it pays her.
The photos speak for themselves. https://t.co/AJoW8TdbRN
— Game 7 (@game7__) June 22, 2023
With the NBA offseason in full swing and the draft having come and gone, hoops coverage at ESPN will take a backseat to baseball and the looming football season.
That said, given that Andrews remains one of the network’s faces, this likely isn’t the last time she will find herself trending.
What will Andrews ultimately go viral for next? Time will tell.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.