Team Player: Malika Andrews and Max Dash
ESPN's NBA Today host Andrews on content associate Dash: "Whenever you see a reporter’s essay on our show or a high-end video element that makes you want to run through a wall for your team, it’s often Max who puts it together."
In the latest installment of Front Row’s “Team Player” series — where an ESPN commentator selects a behind-the-scenes colleague to spotlight – Los Angeles-based NBA Today host Malika Andrews salutes Bristol, Conn.-based content associate Max Dash.
ESPN’s primary platform to capture pro basketball’s 24/7/365 nature is NBA Today. Journalist Andrews hosts the year-round show that features an array of the industry’s leading analysts and reporters.
An immensely talented team of behind-the-scenes ESPN employees work tirelessly to entertain and inform NBA fans on NBA Today. One of those employees is Dash, a 2018 Hampden-Sydney College graduate who has been at ESPN for about four years. The Glen Allen, Va., native has worked with Andrews on NBA Today for two years.
As NBA training camps open and media days begin this week, Andrews – who reported from the Phoenix Suns camp on Monday – took time to shine the spotlight on Dash.
What attributes does Dash have that make him successful in his role?
The flair, pizzazz, and fun of our show are often shaped by Max’s creative vision. It is one thing to bring ideas to the group — it’s another to bring them and execute them at the level and frequency Max does. Whenever you see a reporter’s essay on our show or a high-end video element that makes you want to run through a wall for your team, it’s often Max who puts it together [watch an example in the sidebar below].
In what ways has Dash proven to be an important part of NBA Today’s success?
Max has elevated NBA Today’s specialty elements and highlights. He creatively cuts together sound, audience reaction, pivotal plays, and postgame availabilities. Max has evolved how highlights are produced on our show and is often entrusted with our biggest projects.
As if Max isn’t busy enough editing video and assisting with all (his beloved) [Philadelphia] 76ers-related content, Max’s leadership is also crucial to NBA Today’s success. Max trains our Bristol-based staff and fosters a strong working environment.
Could you share a memory of Dash going above and beyond?
Max works on so many essays with reporters, vignettes, and bumps that it’s hard to keep track. Our show is year-round, and in the height of the off season, Max helps our show to stay in mid-season form. Most recently, he went above and beyond during the FIBA World Cup Championships. Max sourced video from Manila and turned the footage into memorable highlights. We are so lucky to have Max on our NBA studio team.
NBA Today generally airs Monday through Friday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN and the ESPN App.
“I’ve been very lucky to work with someone like Malika for the past couple of years. Not only is she remarkably talented, but she’s also a genuinely good person. On-air, Malika is the point guard of our show.
“Behind the scenes, she is an even better teammate. And what I’ve come to appreciate the most is her work ethic. Malika pours herself into every single show and is always looking for ways to deliver the best version of NBA Today to our audience. Working with someone so dedicated to their craft motivates me every day to be a better producer.”
Dash produced the 2022-23 season feature “Centers of Attention” featured reported by ESPN NBA Insider Ramona Shelburne embedded above.
For more on ESPN’s NBA coverage, visit ESPN Pressroom
