JJ Redick Claims ESPN Broadcaster Withheld Vital Information as LeBron & NBA Stars Address Latest Update

With the NBA’s new media rights deal kicking in next season, networks Amazon Prime Video and NBC aggressively recruiting top announcers. In their most recent revamp in the broadcasting space, Richard Jefferson has been named to ESPN’s premier broadcast team for the NBA Finals, marking his first time calling the championship series. The media giants have also added Doris Burke and Mike Breen to the legendary panel on their top broadcasting team. Hearing this, RJ’s on-screen rival, Lakers’ HC JJ Redick, had some cheeky comments to drop in!

Addressing Jefferson’s new role on ESPN, JJ playfully claimed, “First of all, I think they picked the wrong person.”

Jefferson and Redick have always had a camaraderie going on, with Redick continuing the leg-pulling on the ESPN segment too. He remarked, “Its funny cause I saw him Friday night, and I was like ‘What’s going on?’ and he’s like ‘They haven’t told me anything.’ And then I show up to the green room on Saturday and Mike and Doris were like ‘We have our newest member of the Finals crew.’ I looked at him and was like ‘What? You withholding information from me?’” Jefferson quickly dismissed the playful accusation, responding, “He’s like ‘No, I literally found out today.’”

Despite the banter, Redick expressed genuine admiration for Jefferson’s work ethic and natural talent. “I’m thrilled for him. He deserves it. He’s someone who I say this all the time about him, like he was born to do television, probably more so than being born to be a basketball player. He’s just got a natural ability. I’ve been around him now for four years in that space. He just works and works at his craft. He’s dedicated to it. So, I’m happy for him and I think that’s a great crew”, Redick acknowledged.

This move is part of ESPN’s broader strategy to revamp its broadcast team following significant personnel changes. After parting ways with longtime voices like Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy, ESPN hired Doc Rivers and JJ Redick—both of whom have since pursued coaching opportunities in Milwaukee and Los Angeles. Jefferson’s promotion, which follows a series of assignments including NBA Cup games alongside Doris Burke and Mike Breen, highlights ESPN’s commitment to building a dynamic and competitive broadcasting lineup.

LeBron James congratulates his brother as Richard Jefferson replaces JJ Redick on ESPN

The announcement quickly resonated across the basketball community. LeBron James, a longtime friend of Jefferson, took to his IG story to share his excitement, posting “CONGRATS BROTHER!!” on his story. LeBron and Jefferson are longtime pals and even won a championship together with the Cavs in 2016.

Other NBA stars soon followed suit, as RJ’s on-screen colleague Kendrick Perkins expressed his thoughts, “Proud of you my brother!!! Real Talk.” Meanwhile, former Warrior’s head coach Mark Jackson and Clippers legend Matt Barnes said the same thing, “Congrats bro!” Even his love-hate friend and former teammate, Gilbert Arenas, congratulated the 2016 champion.

While Jefferson’s new role is a significant milestone, it may only be a temporary chapter in his broadcasting career. His current contract with ESPN is set to expire at the end of the season, and reports indicate that Amazon Prime Video is interested in acquiring him. This ongoing interest could determine which network he partners with in the future, adding an extra layer of anticipation for fans.

As the NBA enters a new era of media deals and revamped broadcast teams, ESPN’s decision to include emerging talents like Richard Jefferson alongside seasoned veterans signals a fresh approach to covering the game. For now, the playful exchange between JJ Redick and Jefferson offers a humorous glimpse behind the scenes, while fans eagerly await the upcoming NBA Finals and the dynamic commentary promised by ESPN’s newly minted crew.

The revamped broadcast lineup reflects not only the changing landscape of sports media but also the enduring camaraderie and spirited rivalries among its key personalities—ensuring that viewers are in for both top-tier analysis and entertaining, unfiltered moments when the Finals tip-off.