Some veterans and a debutant will be on the mics during the 2025 NBA Finals. Richard Jefferson, following his 17-year career in the NBA, joined ESPN as an analyst in 2019. Since then, the former Cavaliers forward has taken to the job with great interest. He trained to be an official to understand the game from a better lens and has earned the trust of the ESPN top brass. Now, it’s landed him at the top of the pyramid.

ESPN’s press room released a report about its team for the impending 2025 Finals. Jefferson will join the legendary duo of Mike Breen and Doris Burke. For the former NBA star, it will be his first time calling an NBA Finals since becoming part of the company’s No. 1 broadcast team.

But his partners aren’t so new.

Since the beginning of the season, Richard Jefferson has commentated on several marquee matchups alongside Breen and Burke. Most recently, he called the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Denver Nuggets, expressing his shock about Luka Doncic’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Like most, he couldn’t understand Nico Harrison’s mindset.

However, the call-up to the NBA Finals marks a huge moment for Jefferson in his broadcasting career. His humorous character blends brilliantly with Breen and Burke’s broadcasting expertise. The 44-year-old has regularly impressed when calling games. But there’s more to just funny remarks with Jefferson.

ESPN makes the right decision with Richard Jefferson

Jefferson’s rise to fame as a TV personality can be linked to his humor. By nature, he is funny. “For me personally, the people that I geek out over are comedians. When I drive in my car, I listen to comedy. I love quick-witted humor,” he told GQ during an interview. But there’s so much more to unfold about his personality.

Not only did Jefferson have a long and distinguished NBA career, but he’s been part of teams that have won the Finals. He has experienced up and close what talks happen in the locker room and is a student of the game. It’s no wonder Breen is flattered to work besides the former Nets forward.

Richard Jefferson combines his experience during his NBA career and articulates it flawlessly when on the mic. The occasional humor is merely an added luxury that resonates with today’s audience. Although he doesn’t have the credentials of some of the other on-air commentators, Jefferson looks to be the ideal fit.

He understands the big moments and is a naturally vocal personality. Jefferson’s tonality and charisma while doing his job make him an incredible addition. And if there’s doubt about him falling to nerves, his current role during high-profile matchups serves as proof. He has worked tirelessly to rise in the media space, a place where not many former players can thrive.

And although it’s his debut, Richard Jefferson has been to multiple NBA Finals. The last thing he will worry about is feeling nervous, especially having seasoned partners like Mike Breen and Doris Burke by his side.

Do you think Richard Jefferson will become a regular Finals commentator following this year? Let us know your honest thoughts in the comments below.