ESPN's First Take is apparently on the lookout for a new co-host to pair with Stephen A. Smith and we thought of the best ex-NBA players to partner him with. Amid talks about the potential departure of Smith's long-time co-host in Max Kellerman who has been dishing out hot takes with Smith ever since joining the team in 2016, we've scoured the interwebs to find the best compliment to Stephen A. Smith to make sure the on-air drama doesn't die down. Hypothetically, of course.

Here are five of the best ex-NBA stars worthy of the First Take seat (in no particular order):

 5. Paul Pierce

Yeah, yeah I know what ya'll are going to say. After all the controversy the Boston Celtics legend brought to ESPN last April, surely they won't give him another chance. Again, this is purely hypothetical. But, if ESPN someway and somehow calls back Paul Pierce and brings him in to go toe-to-toe with Stephen A. Smith, well then that would be quality TV for sure.

4. Jalen Rose

A legitimate candidate for the spot would be none other than Jalen Rose. The athlete-turned-analyst has been one of the more familiar faces on ESPN given that he's been quite active in front of the cameras since he retired from the NBA back in 2007. The former MIP from the Indiana Pacers has been dishing out quality analytics and has been known to give his own hot takes when the situation calls for it.

Just for kicks and giggles, here's Stephen A. Smith randomly roasting Rose's outfit:

3. Jay Williams

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Another face we've been used to when it comes to ESPN is none other than Jay Williams. The former Duke standout has also gotten his feet wet when it comes to sportscasting for the good majority of the past decade. He's transitioned from being an analyst for the NCAA to the NBA as part of ESPN's ‘NBA Countdown' show alongside Rose and other famous faces on the broadcasting scene.

2. Richard Jefferson

Another former player that has taken his success from the NBA to ESPN is none other than former NBA champion Richard Jefferson. RJ is relatively a rookie compared to these other names since he's only retired from playing professional basketball in 2018. That being said, Jefferson has immediately made a name for himself as one of the most intelligent players out there who can analyze certain plays and situations once the director calls ‘action'. And yes, I think he's more than ready to go on those hot debates with Stephen A.

1. Kendrick Perkins

Last but definitely not least would be Perk. Kendrick Perkins, who is also an NBA champion himself, would probably be the most realistic parter for Stephen A. Smith if the show's producers opt to go the former athlete route. Just like most of these players, Perkins has been on the ‘First Take' panel before and the chemistry between him and Smith is quite natural. It does help that Perk and Smith have butt heads before more than once. A Kenrick Perkins and Stephen A. Smith tandem would definitely give co-host Molly Querim Rose a challenging time.

We definitely need more of this banter:

Who you got?