The 2025 Finals are still a long way off, but ESPN is already thinking about it. Why? Because the commentary duo – Mike Breen and Doris Burke – is at the heart of a trio. Except that the third man is missing…
Indeed, recently, to fill this role, the American channel had recruited Doc Rivers and JJ Redick. But the first left the studios during last season to go coach the Bucks. The second left this summer to lead the Lakers. If ESPN could just as well continue with a duo, a trio is nevertheless the preferred option.
So who will replace the two coaches? According to The Athleticthe favorites are four: Grant Hill, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler and Jay Bilas.
Grant Hill, GM of Team USA, is a regular on the microphones with his experience on TNT Sports. He has commentated on the college Final Four as well as NBA games. For his part, Richard Jefferson has been a familiar face to ESPN viewers for several years, with his role as a consultant. Just like Tim Legler.
Jay Bilas, on the other hand, is less well-known because he plays college commentary on ESPN and works on the Draft, without ever having been in charge of an NBA game. So, it would be a big surprise if he were the one chosen to sit next to Mike Breen and Doris Burke during the 2025 Finals.
