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ESPN Will 'Consider' Drastic NBA Announcers Change

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 10:08 PM ET

As ESPN's NBA broadcast team continues to come under fire, the network is reportedly eyeing drastic changes when it comes to its top announcers as well.

Per The Athletic's Andrew Marchand the Worldwide Leader will consider whether or not it wants to continue with Doris Burke alongside Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson, or shift to Tim Legler in that spot.

"The question that ESPN will have to ask themselves in the offseason is— is it enough of an upgrade that you put [Tim] Legler in there for Doris Burke with Richard Jefferson. Is Legler at this point better than Doris Burke?" Marchand posed.

"That's a decision that they're going to have to make. Are you set for the next five years or are you going to look for a big name our there? So I think you have to look at all those factors before you just make the change."

CLIP: ESPN will consider if it is better with Doris Burke or Tim Legler on its top team going forward https://t.co/b2aW12hyQt pic.twitter.com/SmagKhgU2a
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) June 9, 2025

Burke was handpicked by ESPN to replace Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy to mixed reactions from fans. Many love Burke's insight, while others believe the scrutiny aimed her way is justified.

Many of the complaints about the Breen/Jefferson/Burke team have to do with the severe lack of rapport they've shown thus far. However, Jefferson recently went on the "SI Media Podcast" and defended his partner.

"Doris, I always call her the godmother of basketball, because she has had to deal with so much [BS] for the past 30 years in this industry," Jefferson said. "She's one of the best. And so those are the people you're excited to be teammates with, because they make you better, you make them better. And I think our chemistry is only going to continue to grow."

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 05: ESPN television analyst Doris Burke does a TV spot as she sets up the Toronto Raptors NBA game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on December 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

It certainly takes time to build that synergy, but it's also hard to just throw three people together and expect them to be as great as Breen, Jackson and Van Gundy were for so many years.

Legs is certainly a beloved name. But with the "Inside the NBA" crew coming to ESPN next season, the company is really going to have to step things up to match what the 21-time Sports Emmy winners bring to the table.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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