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JJ Redick Doesn't Hold Back On ESPN's NBA Finals Decision

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 2:04 PM ET

JJ Redick may no longer be employed by ESPN after taking the Los Angeles Lakers job, but he still loves to see his former colleagues at the Worldwide Leader win.

Earlier this week it was announced that Richard Jefferson would be added to the network's NBA Finals coverage alongside Doris Burke and the legendary Mike Breen — a spot Redick once held before leaving for the Lakers' sideline.

And speaking to the media about it, JJ expressed that he couldn't be happier for his ex-ESPN teammate as he takes on this new challenge.

JJ Redick was asked about Richard Jefferson replacing him on ESPN’s top broadcast team and naturally took some jabs at his friend:

“Well first of all, I think they picked the wrong person.”

“He’s someone who, I say this all the time about him, he was born to do television.… https://t.co/Y41clzDCHq pic.twitter.com/rfNhCbPLBj
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) February 24, 2025

"Well, first of all, I think they picked the wrong person," Redick said facetiously. "I'm thrilled for him. He deserves it. He's someone who, I say this all the time about him, 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 for four years in that space, he just works and works at his craft," JJ continued. "He's dedicated to it. I'm happy for him and I think that's a great crew."

Redick reportedly knew about the announcement before it was leaked by The Athletic's Andrew Marchand. Sharing that Breen and Burke had told him that Jefferson would be joining the network's A-team ahead of Saturday night's game.

JJ also called games for years alongside Richard and Ryan Ruocco, so the pair spent a lot of time on the road together doing broadcasts.

ESPN had tried out a number of different analysts over the first half of the season once Redick left for coaching and now they've settled on one of the marquee faces of their basketball coverage.

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 18: ESPN Analyst, Richard Jefferson, reports on the 2022 NBA Draft Combine on May 18, 2022 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)Jeff Haynes/Getty Images

Jefferson played 17 years in the NBA for the Nets, Bucks, Spurs, Warriors, Jazz, Mavericks, Cavs and Nuggets — making the All-Rookie team in 2001 and winning an NBA championship in Cleveland in 2016.

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

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