ESPN changed its top NBA broadcast team for the upcoming season, adding Doris Burke and Doc Rivers to call games with Mike Breen, while letting Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson go. The move comes despite Jackson and Van Gundy being a part of the network’s NBA Finals coverage since 2007.
Many fans and analysts don’t understand why ESPN chose to shake things up, and that includes an analyst from the network’s competitor. TNT analyst Kenny Smith said he was as confused as anyone as to why ESPN fired Jackson and Van Gundy.
“I’m not really sure how they’re [ESPN] doing it. I’m not really versed on why they’re doing all their cuts and how, is it budgetary? Because certain guys are getting let go, and then you hire someone else for more money. I have no idea why they’re doing it, but stability is what brings success,” Smith told Andrew Cohen of Front Office Sports.
