Hours after news broke of Doris Burke being promoted to the lead commentary booth for the NBA and the network bringing on Doc Rivers to join her, Mark Jackson has divulged that he will be leaving ESPN. Jackson, who was demoted as a result of the revamped lead commentary booth, was either going to be on the No. 2 NBA commentary team or out entirely. Now, the network has officially let go of its top NBA analysts following Jeff Van Gundy being laid off, and Jackson is a free agent with 15 NBA Finals under his belt.
Jackson joined ESPN in 2006 after retiring from the NBA following a 17-year playing career. His time with the network is separated by two stints, as he held the head coaching job with the Golden State Warriors for three seasons. A familiar face of the NBA Finals broadcasts, Jackson was known for his candid and forthright commentary while also being able to lean into the intellect of Van Gundy and skill of Breen. Fans on social media have expressed their shock and dismay towards the decision, which the network has not commented on, and the new era of the broadcasts.
The calculus behind the decision to let go of Jackson is not known, as news of his exit was not divulged when ESPN talent were laid off earlier this month. There have been no reports related to whether it was Jackson’s decision to leave the “Worldwide Leader” or if the network independently chose to terminate his employment. He reportedly had two years remaining on his broadcasting contract. If more details emerge, the picture could become clearer – but for now, the NBA on ESPN and NBA Finals will have a new sound going into next season.
