Reported frontrunner emerges to replace JJ Redick at ESPN

Jan. 4, 2011; New Orleans, LA, USA; ESPN logo prior to the 2011 Sugar Bowl between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN seems to be zeroing in on their successor for JJ Redick.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported on Monday that ex-NBA forward Richard Jefferson has emerged as an early leading candidate to replace Redick on ESPN’s lead NBA national television broadcast team. The spot, alongside Mike Breen and Doris Burke in the booth, has been vacant ever since Redick agreed to become the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers over the summer.

The 44-year-old Jefferson, a former NBA champion and one-time 20-point-per-game scorer, would be a strong choice. He has worked for ESPN as an analyst since 2019 and has been already been on the call for national game broadcasts as part of ESPN’s No. 2 NBA team with Ryan Ruocco. Jefferson is generally well-regarded for his enthusiasm, relaxed style, and funny lines.

In the summer, it looked like ESPN was considering a few other basketball names (including a surprise candidate) for the job vacated by Redick. But now it appears that Jefferson, who has also gained media prominence through his popular “Road Trippin'” podcast, holds the pole position.