Richard Jefferson Returns as ESPN NBA Lead Analyst

Richard Jefferson has agreed to return as a lead NBA analyst for ESPN/ABC, continuing to call major games, including the NBA Finals, alongside play-by-play announcer Mike Breen. The future of fellow analyst Doris Burke on ESPN’s top broadcast team remains uncertain, with Tim Legler cited as a potential replacement. ESPN’s main broadcast booth has undergone significant turnover, with Doc Rivers and JJ Redick both leaving for NBA coaching positions. Amazon Prime Video showed interest in Jefferson before he renewed with ESPN. ESPN is expected to have 20 fewer regular-season NBA games to cover next season, increasing reliance on its top broadcast teams. Official contracts are still pending, and ESPN has not released details on Jefferson’s agreement.