ESPN Elevates JJ Redick to Prominent Position

ESPN has announced a monumental new role for retired NBA star JJ Redick, who joined the sports network just a month after bidding farewell to the court in September 2021. Redick, known for his sharpshooting prowess during his 15-year NBA career, is set to step into the spotlight once again as part of ESPN’s lead broadcast team covering the NBA Finals.

According to a report by The Athletic, Redick will join the esteemed duo of Mike Breen and Doris Burke in ESPN’s top broadcast lineup. Burke, who joined the team alongside Doc Rivers earlier this year, finds herself without her initial co-commentator as Rivers departs after a brief stint to coach the Milwaukee Bucks.

The addition of Redick to the broadcast elite comes following the departure of longtime ESPN commentators Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, signaling a significant shake-up in the network’s coverage of NBA Finals games.

Initially part of ESPN’s secondary broadcast team alongside play-by-play caller Ryan Ruocco and NBA veteran Richard Jefferson, Redick’s meteoric rise in the sports media realm has been nothing short of impressive. Since becoming the first active NBA player to launch a podcast back in 2016 with “The Old Man and The Three,” Redick has steadily gained recognition as a captivating voice in sports commentary.

His journey into sports media gained momentum with appearances on popular shows like “First Take” before transitioning into game-calling duties for ESPN. Now, Redick’s ascent to ESPN’s primary broadcast team underscores his growing influence and credibility in sports broadcasting.

While Redick’s move into broadcasting marks a significant milestone in his post-NBA career, the 39-year-old has also hinted at potential coaching opportunities in the past. Despite never having coached at a professional or collegiate level, Redick’s passion for basketball extends beyond the broadcast booth, as evidenced by his involvement in coaching his son’s youth basketball team in Brooklyn.

As Redick prepares to embark on this new chapter with ESPN, his multifaceted career trajectory serves as a testament to his versatility and enduring impact on the world of basketball, both on and off the court.