In a significant shift within the ESPN broadcast team, Doris Burke will no longer serve as the voice of the NBA Finals. According to Andrew Marchand from The Athletic, ABC/ESPN has opted to demote Burke after her two-season tenure alongside veteran play-by-play announcer Mike Breen and analyst Richard Jefferson. Taking her place in the top NBA broadcast team will be Tim Legler, who has transitioned from an NBA player to a prominent ESPN analyst.
While Jefferson’s status seemed uncertain, he has recently signed a contract extension, solidifying his position on the No. 1 crew. In contrast, discussions regarding Burke’s own contract are ongoing, with the possibility of her moving to ESPN’s No. 2 team for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Legler, who enjoyed a decade-long career in the NBA, has built a solid reputation at ESPN over 25 years. His previous work, particularly calling games regularly in the past two years, seems to have paved the way for this promotion as he steps into the limelight of NBA Finals broadcast.
Since the departure of the popular Van Gundy-Jackson-Breen trio, ESPN has faced challenges in recapturing the charisma that made their Finals broadcasts a must-watch event for fans, a sentiment echoed by fans and critics alike. Burke, in particular, faced scrutiny during her time, especially from Oklahoma City Thunder fans voicing their discontent regarding her commentary on rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the playoffs.
Back in May, speculation arose regarding both Burke and Jefferson’s futures in the top crew. Jefferson even showcased his support for Burke by donning a shirt advocating for her during a broadcast, underscoring the camaraderie within the team.
With Legler’s promotion now official, the reshuffling marks a new chapter for ESPN as they attempt to rebuild the exciting atmosphere that once defined their Finals coverage. Fans will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the viewing experience, particularly as the network seeks to enhance its NBA broadcast reputation.
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