As ESPN gears up for the next NBA Finals, four key candidates have surfaced to take over the commentary chair left by JJ Redick, who has officially joined the Los Angeles Lakers as the head coach. This news comes from a report by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic.
Redick made a surprising move this summer, leaving his burgeoning media career to accept an $8 million per year coaching position with the Lakers, as noted by Shams Charania and detailed by Adrian Wojnarowski. This season’s Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks was his sole experience as a commentator, and Boston took the title in just five games.
Looking ahead, former NBA star Grant Hill, who currently serves as a broadcaster for TNT and owns part of the Atlanta Hawks, stands out as the most recognizable name in the running. With an impressive career marked by seven All-Star selections and five-time All-NBA honors, Hill averaged 16.7 points per game over 18 seasons.
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Hill played for teams including the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers, transitioning from a prolific scorer to a versatile role player after injuries took a toll on his game.
Other contenders for the Finals commentary gig include former Cleveland Cavaliers champion Richard Jefferson and ESPN analyst Tim Legler, both of whom bring sharp basketball insights. While ESPN might consider going with a simpler duo of Mike Breen and Doris Burke, the network aims to add a third voice to the booth.
Although Jay Bilas has never played in the NBA, he’s well-respected as a college basketball commentator and has a strong presence at the NBA Draft.
Prior to Redick’s appointment, former All-Star Doc Rivers had been set to join Breen and Burke but left midseason to coach the Milwaukee Bucks. Rivers’ departure was accompanied by a disappointing playoff run for Milwaukee, further emphasizing the need for a solid addition to the NBA broadcast team.
Incorporating an entertaining ex-player alongside seasoned broadcasters seems like the smart play for ESPN, with the likes of Hill, Jefferson, and Legler all capable of providing that spark.