Doris Burke and her spot in ESPN and ABC’s lead NBA broadcast booth isn’t locked in for next season, according to The Athletic.
Mike Breen, who’s under a long-term deal, isn’t going anywhere, and ESPN reportedly plans to bring back Richard Jefferson, but they haven’t officially sealed that deal yet.
The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported:
“While ESPN intends on re-signing Jefferson, it has not yet locked him up with his contract expiring, according to sources briefed on the talks. Amazon Prime Video has expressed some interest in Jefferson, according to the same sources. Meanwhile, Burke’s spot is not guaranteed for next season, according to sources familiar with ESPN’s preliminary plans. While Breen, the Basketball Hall of Famer under a long-term deal, is not going anywhere, ESPN will evaluate its entire roster.
“ESPN executives will debate what is next, according to sources, with one discussion likely centering around if they feel Burke is better on a two-person team as opposed to the three-person team.”Burke herself recently commented on what she thought of all the negative social media feedback she’s been getting on her analysis.
“Usually, I can tell I feel like I’m doing a decent job when multiple fan bases are pissed off at me… at various times, Boston fans think I hate them, Knicks fans think I hate them, Sixers fans, and now Oklahoma City’s like, ‘why doesn’t Doris like SGA?’ I love SGA. Absolutely love him.” (via The ESPN Communications Podcast)
Ever since ESPN decided to move on from Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson following the 2023 Finals, they’ve been trying to figure out what the right mix is.
They initially added Doc Rivers alongside Breen and Burke, but Rivers bailed a few months later to coach the Milwaukee Bucks. JJ Redick filled that spot, but now he’s coaching the Lakers after just one year.
Looks like the team might be in for another shake up.
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