ESPN released Jackson in a shocking turn of events on Monday. Jackson became a fixture on ESPN NBA coverage for almost 15 years. Unfortunately, that memorable run has officially ended. The network tapped former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers and long-time ESPN basketball commentator Doris Burke to replace Jackson and Van Gundy.
With that in mind, it seemed Jackson’s days were numbered after the network dismissed Van Gundy on June 30. The former NBA point guard first worked with Breen and Van Gundy from 2006 to 2011.
ESPN initially thought about pairing up Jackson with Mark Jones on its “B” team for NBA coverages. However, the exemplary performances of JJ Redick and Richard Jefferson as NBA game analysts made network executives go in a different direction, per the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand.
The move relegated Mark Jackson to a potential third-team role on ESPN’s NBA coverage team. To compound his woes, the network felt he was more effective when working with Van Gundy.
With that in mind, it seemed Jackson’s days were numbered after the network dismissed Van Gundy on June 30. The former NBA point guard first worked with Breen and Van Gundy from 2006 to 2011.
