Who Is On The Broadcast Team Of ESPN For The NBA Finals? All Details About The ABC Booth & More

ESPN’s broadcast team for the 2024 NBA Finals has finally been revealed. Seasoned host Mike Breen will be joined by none other than Doris Burke and JJ Redick this year. The 2024 NBA Finals begin on June 6 and will be broadcast on ABC by ESPN. With Burke and Redick on the board, viewers can look forward to a fresh perspective this season.

Both Burke and Redick are prominent figures in the basketball world. Burke is a Curt Gowdy Media Hall of Famer and Redick, a former NBA star is renowned for his insights into the game. Take a look at this special trio.

Mike Breen, Doris Burke, and JJ Redick to Lead NBA on ESPN Coverage

For the past 18 years, Mike Breen has been an integral part of the NBA Finals broadcasts. He joined ABC in 2006 and hasn’t looked back since. His career includes some memorable game calls and his thorough knowledge of the game has made him a fan-favorite over the years. In the past, Breen has collaborated with commentators Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, who both left ESPN this summer, bringing an end to an era. This season, a new one begins.

He is being joined by JJ Redick, former NBA star, who is famous for his podcast with LeBron James; ‘Mind The Game.’ He is renowned for his intelligent commentary on the game. Redick began working for ESPN in 2021 and gained notoriety for his forthright commentary and analytical style. Doc Rivers was originally supposed to join Breen and Burke in the booth, but Redick was added after Rivers was named head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this year. Even though Rivers had a difficult season, Redick’s presence injects a new and dynamic viewpoint into the show.

The third guest might be the most special one – Doris Burke. Being the first female game analyst for a major men’s professional championship tournament on television, Burke’s appointment to the lead broadcast team is a historic moment. Having joined ESPN in 1991, Burke started her career in NBA broadcasting as a sideline reporter in the 2003–2004 season. She has gained the respect of players, coaches, and fans alike over the years by establishing herself as a knowledgeable and perceptive analyst. Her tenure as an NBA Finals sideline reporter from 2009 to 2019 and her subsequent four years as an ESPN Radio analyst serve to further solidify her expertise and enthusiasm for the game. Here’s more about her historic feat.

Doris Burke makes history as first-ever female TV game analyst

Burke made history as the first woman to serve as a television game analyst for any major men’s professional championship event. Additionally, Lisa Salters, who is back for her third year as the sideline reporter, rounds out the coverage. Burke originally held her role. In the recent press conference held by ESPN, the broadcasting team talked about their roles and the significance of this year’s broadcast. Burke reflected on her historic role.

“Have I had time to reflect? It’s a great question,” Burke said. “My focus is in preparing for the games in front of me. But I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that I am mindful that there is something meaningful here. If this assignment makes life for women in sports easier or aids in their process, then nothing could be more meaningful.”

Burke also acknowledged the women who she looks up to, the ones who paved the way for her career. She thanked fellow journalists, Robin Roberts and Jackie MacMullan for their guidance. “The experience of my predecessors was probably much more difficult than my own. The players and coaches have always made me feel welcome, and for that, I am incredibly appreciative.”

The 2024 NBA Finals will kick off with Game 1 between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics on Thursday, June 6, at 8:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action on ABC, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes, and the ESPN App.