The upcoming series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers may be Doris Burke’s last NBA Finals assignment.
After conducting a long list of layoffs, including Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy, ESPN promoted Doris Burke to their No. 1 NBA commentary team alongside Mike Breen and Doc Rivers in 2023. Rivers, of course, left abruptly to take the Milwaukee Bucks’ head coaching position.
Breen, Burke and former NBA star Richard Jefferson will call the 2025 NBA Finals for the Worldwide Leader in Sports. But according to a new report, this may be the broadcasting trio’s last rodeo.
Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reports that ESPN may shake up its No. 1 NBA broadcast team next season. Though the legendary Breen isn’t going anywhere, Marchand said Jefferson’s contract is set to expire and that Burke may be replaced:
“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.”
Jackson, Van Gundy and Breen were heavily praised for their work together as a trio at the announce table. But the Worldwide Leader in Sports laid off Jackson and Van Gundy in a series of budget cuts; Disney CEO Bob Iger had stated that many jobs would be cut to save the company billions of dollars.
Suzy Kolber, Steve Young, Matt Hasselbeck, Jalen Rose, Max Kellerman, Todd McShay, Joon Lee, Chris Chelios and Keyshawn Johnson were among the other notable talents let go by ESPN.
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Doris Burke Made Sports Media History At 2024 NBA Finals
Doris Burke made special history when she called the 2024 NBA Finals last year, becoming the first woman to serve as a television analyst for one of the “big four” North American professional sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL) championship series/games.
Burke, Jefferson and Breen will also get the Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals series that begins tomorrow in Oklahoma City. Will it be Burke’s last NBA Finals’ assignment as an analyst? Stay tuned.
Also Read: Fans Want ESPN To Fire WNBA Analyst Chiney Ogwumike
