Manic Monday: ESPN Hires Doc Rivers, Promotes Doris Burke, and Fires Mark Jackson
The latest from “The Worldwide Leader in Sports”
While the NBA has reached a dull point in the offseason, the major network that covers them has not. According to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, ESPN is expected to hire Doc Rivers as a lead analyst for the NBA Finals, replacing Mark Jackson and arriving two months after being fired by the Philadelphia 76ers. Additionally, the network is promoting Doris Burke to join Rivers and Mike Breen as its top commentators for the Finals, and releasing Mark Jackson after an initial demotion to the “‘B’ team.”
The moves come a month after ESPN laid off nearly 20 on-air personalities, including Jeff Van Gundy, who had called games with them for 16 years alongside Jones and Jackson. Marchand’s report also indicates that players-turned-analysts J.J. Redick and Richard Jefferson will be in the announcer’s chair more often this upcoming season.
Broadcasting: Not Rivers’ First Rodeo
Rivers returns to the airwaves nearly two decades after he called the NBA Finals for ABC in 2003. A season later, he was hired by the Boston Celtics, bringing a title to Boston before notable stops with the Clippers and Sixers. A switch to television gives him a chance to remain close to the game and offer his hoops insight to the masses once more, even if it puts a pause on his 24-year coaching career.
Hard Work Pays Off
After three decades, Doris Burke’s astounding career soars to new heights. Marchand wrote that ESPN “set their eyes on making Burke the first woman TV analyst on the NBA Finals,” and soon, their dream will become reality. Burke’s analysis has been a welcome sight for most NBA fans throughout the regular season and playoffs, and elevating her to the league’s biggest stage is a testament to the work she’s put in throughout her career. ESPN’s new “big three” of broadcasters could prove to be a perfect fit when the 2023 Finals roll around.
Likewise, Redick has found a comfortable post-playing career, offering his hoops knowledge to fans worldwide through regular appearances on ESPN shows, from “NBA Today” to “First Take.” Fans have had a warm reception to his takes on the air, and his analysis and perspective will also be a great addition to live game broadcasts. All the same can be said for Richard Jefferson, whose knowledge as a former player benefits many who tune into “NBA Today” and “Get Up.”
What’s Next for Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy
Jackson’s move from the network may make sense if he had another gig lined up, but that is not the case right now. After being fired by the Golden State Warriors in 2014 and spending the last nine years at ESPN, options for his next move are slim, given the lack of coaching opportunities in the NBA and the fact he refused ESPN’s demotion.
As for Van Gundy, Marchand’s report offered more insight in the wake of his dismissal from the network:
“While Van Gundy was one of the best game analysts in sports, top ESPN executives were wary of his desire to coach again.
Van Gundy was also critical of the NBA and its officiating, which the NBA has expressed disappointment at over the years and even this season, according to sources.
However, there is no evidence of an edict from the NBA to make a change.”
Whether Van Gundy returns to commentating or coaching remains to be seen.
Changes keep coming at the “Worldwide Leader in Sports.” There’s no doubt that Rivers and Burke can thrive in their new roles at ESPN, and the same goes for Jackson and Van Gundy, whose talents will surely be used in other opportunities soon enough.
