As ESPN?s ?Worst? Days Get Exposed, Stephen A Smith?s Frenemy Could Become His Permanent Colleague as Per Reports

ESPN?s network coverage roster is set to look different next year. The sudden company layoffs have vacated nearly 20 positions, and it is unsure if it will stop. Notable names like Jeff Van Gundy, Steve Young and Suzy Kolber have already been caught in the crossfire. In light of vacant spots, a very promising name has emerged to fill the shoes of a 16-year veteran. The new addition may now ignite serious debates alongside Stephen A Smith.

NBA is under a 20-year contract with Disney?s ESPN and Warner Bros. The league is supposed to earn a whopping $24 billion from the partnership. ESPN is making strict cost-cutting changes ahead of renewing their deal with the NBA after the 2024-25 season.

A clutch-time hire

According to Front Office Sports, Gundy?s replacement will take up the role of commentator and analyst Mike Breen and of Mark Jackson.?

Given his well-knitted bond with Breen, JJ looks like someone who could live up to the responsibilities. JJ Redick is known for his style of mapping every inch of the court while playing. He is one of the best catch-and-shoot players to serve the game. With a career three-point percentage of .415, he sits very close to Stephen Curry?s .428.

On the media front, Rivers? telecast career began before his retirement. He has been the voice of several podcasts and also features on NBA?s First Take. As for his compatibility with Stephen A Smith, let?s just say he has meddled in that area before.?

While ESPN has not released any official statements yet, JJ has everything the network might look for.

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Other names that fit the bill

Reddick?s pre-existing contract ends after the 24-?25 season, which is also the last year of the NBA and ESPN deal. For the Disney company, it seems suitable to increase JJ?s role and save costs. However, to ensure diversity and efficiency, a few names can potentially be bought in. Shannon Sharpe is one of the few who know how to stay in the spotlight. He fueled interesting conversations on Undisputed?despite his exit this year. Moreover, he is a fearless debater who can stand against Smith.?

Doris Burke is another name that can potentially find a role amidst vacancies. Doris is a hall-of-fame broadcaster who has been covering basketball for almost three decades. She is also one of the few women to act as a full-time NBA analyst on television.?

While the decision on JJ can be expected soon, it will only fill one spot for ESPN. With a meteoric hole in their team staff, who will their next prospects be? And how will it affect their extension deal with the NBA?

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