Jeff Van Gundy, who was a guide colour commentator for ESPN’s NBA coverage for 16 a long time, was a single of the many on-air personalities laid off by the network on Friday.
Van Gundy was a mainstay for primetime NBA protection for ESPN, and will definitely be challenging to switch. The trio of Corridor-of-Fame broadcaster Mike Breen, alongside with NBA mentor-turned-analyst Mark Jackson and Van Gundy keyed the coverage of the biggest online games for a extended time at the throughout the world chief.
Internally, former gamers JJ Redick and Richard Jefferson are reportedly candidates to change Van Gundy. Doris Burke, who is also a commonly highly regarded commentator on ESPN, will also be a prospect to be elevated to the No. 1 broadcasting group, per Andrew Marchand and Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post.
Externally, ESPN is also anticipated to contemplate Doc Rivers, who was fired by the 76ers just after their playoff exit. Rivers tried out his hand at broadcasting prior to his coaching profession, spending a calendar year with NBA on ABC, and was fairly fantastic at it. Rivers may take into consideration having a split from the sidelines just after his hottest dismissal, and ESPN is envisioned to take a appear at him, primarily if his wage demands are offset by what the Sixers owe him in his deal buyout, according to Marchand’s report.
Rivers is also a close close friend of Breen, which never ever hurts.
There is no doubt that Van Gundy will be hard to substitute, but there are lots of intriguing candidates as ESPN looks to flank Breen and Jackson with a new member of the broadcasting group.
