{"id":621,"date":"2024-10-10T12:02:14","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T16:02:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/espn-wont-add-top-nba-analyst-to-main-booth-before-season-sources-say\/"},"modified":"2024-10-10T12:02:23","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T16:02:23","slug":"espn-wont-add-top-nba-analyst-to-main-booth-before-season-sources-say","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/espn-wont-add-top-nba-analyst-to-main-booth-before-season-sources-say\/","title":{"rendered":"ESPN Won’t Add Top NBA Analyst to Main Booth Before Season, Sources Say"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n1. <\/strong>The Athletic’s<\/em> Andrew Marchand recently appeared on a new episode of SI Media With Jimmy Traina<\/em> to cover the latest developments in the sports media landscape.<\/p>\n

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As the NBA season approaches, I questioned Marchand about ESPN’s decisions regarding their primary NBA commentary team. Despite the surprising dismissal of Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson in June 2023, ESPN has introduced Doc Rivers and Doris Burke to join Mike Breen.<\/p>\n

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Rivers departed mid-season to return to coaching, leading to JJ Redick’s promotion. Redick then left to coach the Lakers during the offseason.<\/p>\n

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So, what’s the current situation with ESPN\u2019s main NBA broadcast team? Marchand believes things will remain the same for the time being.<\/p>\n

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“They seem to be planning to start the season with Breen and Doris as the primary duo,” Marchand shared on the podcast, “and they\u2019re likely looking to add a third commentator.”<\/p>\n

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Marchand noted that TNT Sports\u2019 Grant Hill, experienced in both NBA and college basketball, is a top external candidate. “He\u2019s highly regarded,” Marchand remarked. “Though he’s under contract, which complicates things.”<\/p>\n

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“Internally, Richard Jefferson stands out as a potential third member for the lead team,” he continued. “Tim Legler was also considered, and Jay Bilas was discussed for some time. He might cover some NBA games this season, but likely won’t join the top team. We may see new faces emerge unexpectedly.”<\/p>\n

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We also discussed other topics, including ESPN’s interest in Shams Charania, Jeff Passan, and Chris Haynes as potential successors to Adrian Wojnarowski as the network’s premier NBA insider; Tom Brady\u2019s performance as an analyst; the implications of Cris Collinsworth\u2019s signing on Greg Olsen; Tony Romo\u2019s enhancements; a classic Twitter spat between reporters, and much more.<\/p>\n

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Following Marchand, David Shoemaker from The Ringer<\/em> joins the podcast to discuss Netflix\u2019s Mr. McMahon,<\/em> a six-part docuseries where he served as a producer and commentator. Shoemaker delves into the production challenges, including a major lawsuit against Vince McMahon during filming, their experiences interviewing McMahon, the dynamics within the McMahon family, and more.<\/p>\n

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Following Shoemaker, Sal Licata from WFAN radio and SNY TV in New York joins me for our weekly \u201cTraina Thoughts\u201d segment. This week\u2019s discussion spans the MLB playoffs, NFL scheduling issues, Dana Carvey, Saturday Night Live<\/em>, Sal\u2019s trivia about presidents, and more.<\/p>\n

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You can listen to the SI Media With Jimmy Traina<\/em> below or on Apple and Spotify.<\/p>\n

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