The New York Post has reported that ESPN is closing in on a deal with Doc Rivers as a game analyst while promoting Doris Burke to the lead broadcasting crew.
The deals give ESPN a new top broadcasting team of Mike Breen as the play-by-play commentator, Doris Burke as the color commentator and Doc Rivers as the game analyst. The report also confirmed Mark Jackson was let go by the network.
ESPN News: Doc Rivers and Doris Burke Join Top Broadcasting Team
Jeff Van Gundy’s Layoff
The decision comes after ESPN laid off top game analyst Jeff Van Gundy last month, a move that surprised many people in the NBA world. Van Gundy was well regarded as the best in game analyst and someone who could break down complex plays on the fly. Van Gundy has a background as a successful NBA coach which perfectly suited him to analyze the game in great detail.
This led many people to question ESPN’s decision, with some accusing the NBA of stepping in and ordering Van Gundy’s dismal due to his rants on officials, rule changes and the modern game. While these rumors have no concrete evidence, they’re worth discussing when thinking about Van Gundy’s controversial layoff. Reports indicate Van Gundy’s dismal had more to do with the looming threat of him going back to coaching.
Doc Rivers Replaces Van Gundy
Doc Rivers was an early candidate to replace Van Gundy due to his extensive coaching background. Rivers was a successful coach since 1999. Coaching the Magic, Celtics, Clippers and 76ers in his 24 year career which included a championship with the Celtics in 2008. After Rivers was dismissed by the 76ers in May following a disappointing playoff loss, he openly discussed wanting to take a break from coaching. This led many to believe he’d find a job in the analyst booth.
Rivers has maintained a great relationship with ESPN, including broadcasting the 2004 finals alongside Al Michaels. He has been guest analyst in recent seasons. Additionally, Rivers is close friends with play-by-commentator Mike Breen. The extensive coaching background along with his experience in the booth perfectly suits Rivers as the next top in-game analyst.
Doris Burke Promoted
Doris Burke is one of the most respected commentators and analysts at ESPN. Burke has been with ESPN for over 30 years, serving as a sideline reporter during the NBA finals from 2009-2019. Since 2017 she has been a color commentator with ESPN’s second broadcasting team alongside Mark Jones.
Due to her impressive career and extensive experience with the company, Burke was in line for a promotion. Many assumed Burke would take over the position after Van Gundy was laid off. Once the deal is finalized, Burke will become the first female analyst to be a part of ESPN’s lead broadcasting team.
What This Means for Mark Jackson
With Rivers and Burke joining the lead broadcasting team Mark Jackson has become the odd one out. Jackson has been with the company and part of the main broadcasting team since 2014 after a stint as the Warriors head coach. Early reports suggested Jackson was offered a role replacing Burke on ESPN’s second broadcasting team alongside Mark Jones. However, he declined the offer and awaits another opportunity. A job with another company or a return to coaching are both possibilities with Jackson’s background.
Last word on ESPN Moves
ESPN is currently undergoing a lot of changes. The lead broadcasting team is one of the more notable changes at ESPN for basketball fans. The trio of Breen, Van Gundy, and Jackson has been calling the finals since 2015. They had some iconic moments and incredible chemistry together. Their presence will be missed by many fans. However the new trio of Breen, Rivers, and Burke has the background to provide similar great moments and analysis together.
