NBA analyst Mark Jackson wishes replacement Doc Rivers ‘nothing but the best’ after he is laid off by ESPN
NBA analyst Mark Jackson wishes replacement Doc Rivers “nothing but the best” after being fired by ESPN
- Mark Jackson formed a popular partnership with Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy
- But both Jackson and Van Gundy were among those fired by the network
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NBA analyst Mark Jackson insists he holds no grudge or ill feeling towards Doc Rivers – the man who replaces him at ESPN.
Jackson was one-third of a popular broadcast team at ESPN, reporting on 15 NBA Finals along with Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy.
But both he and Van Gundy fell victim to the network’s latest round of layoffs. Jackson admitted that he doesn’t know where his career will take him next.
But he made it clear that he has no ill feelings towards Rivers, who will now join Breen and Doris Burke.
“I wish Doc nothing but the best,” Jackson said TMZ. “He’s a Hall of Fame coach. A great guy. And he’ll be great.’
Mark Jackson wished replacement Doc Rivers “nothing but the best” after his ESPN firing
Rivers is part of the new NBA team on ESPN after Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy were let go
By a twist of fate, Jackson and Rivers were traded for each other in 1992, when the New York Knicks sent Jackson to the Los Angeles Clippers for Rivers and Charles Smith.
Jackson, who started working for ESPN in 2006, announced his departure last month.
The decision shocked many NBA supporters, but Jackson said he is looking forward to the next chapter of his career.
“It’s going to work,” Jackson said. ‘Find out now. But the next move will be my best move… (I’m) excited about what God has for me.”
The 58-year-old spent nearly two decades in the NBA, eventually retiring in 2004 and moving into broadcasting.
Jackson coached the Golden State Warriors for three seasons – from 2011 to 2014 – before returning to ESPN.