Oddsmakers believe that JJ Redick could potentially be replaced at ESPN by one of his contemporaries.
Online sportsbook Bovada released odds this week for Redick’s successor at ESPN should he leave to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Bovada listed former NBA forward Richard Jefferson, who now works as an analyst for ESPN, as the odds-on favorite (-120). Rounding out the top five were ex-Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers (+300), and analysts Monica McNutt (+700), Zach Lowe (+1200), and Tim Legler (+1200).
You can see the complete odds from Bovada here.
The 43-year-old Jefferson, a 17-season NBA veteran, is quickly becoming a rising star at ESPN. He has drawn rave reviews as part of the network’s No. 2 NBA television team, working as the color commentator alongside Ryan Ruocco. Jefferson also makes regular appearances on ESPN programming such as “NBA Today” and has become known for his ruthless comments on the air.
Meanwhile, Redick ascended to ESPN’s lead NBA team (along with Mike Breen and Doris Burke) earlier this season after Doc Rivers left the network to become head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. But it once again looks like Redick is inching closer to earning the Lakers job, and Jefferson may have an excellent chance of replacing Redick at ESPN if that ultimately ends up being the case.
