Ever wonder what happened to those familiar voices calling the NBA Finals? A major shakeup has redefined the league’s top broadcast team, sending shockwaves through the basketball world. Find out the inside story behind the surprising departures and who’s stepping up alongside Mike Breen. The reasons might surprise you!

A significant shift has redefined the landscape of NBA Finals broadcasting, drawing considerable attention from basketball enthusiasts, particularly those loyal to the New York Knicks. The long-standing, iconic trio of Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mark Jackson, renowned for their insightful commentary and undeniable chemistry, has been dismantled, ushering in a new era for ABC/ESPN’s premier NBA coverage.

According to The Athletic media insider Andrew Marchand, the decision to part ways with Van Gundy and Jackson stemmed from several key factors. Sources briefed on the move indicated that a perceived continued desire to coach among the analysts played a significant role in the network’s reasoning. Additionally, the NBA itself reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Van Gundy’s frequent criticisms of officials during broadcasts, further contributing to the shake-up.

Following his departure from the high-profile ESPN Broadcasting team, Mark Jackson has embarked on new ventures, including a foray into the podcasting circuit. There were also reports of negotiations for him to serve as an alternate analyst on MSG Network, a potential return to local New York basketball coverage that ultimately did not materialize. Interestingly, Jackson’s former coach, Rick Pitino, now leading St. John’s men’s basketball, was even linked to the Knicks’ coaching vacancy after Tom Thibodeau’s ousting, though Mike Brown was ultimately chosen.

Jackson’s deep roots in New York basketball are well-documented; the Queens native enjoyed a tenured NBA career, playing seven seasons for the New York Knicks across two stints (1987-92, 2001-02). His professional journey began when the Knicks drafted him 18th overall out of St. John’s University, solidifying his enduring connection to the city and its beloved franchise.

The collective efforts of Breen, Jackson, and Van Gundy cemented their status as a beloved institution in sports broadcasting. Their unique blend of play-by-play artistry, analytical depth, and often humorous banter garnered widespread positive reviews. Together, they meticulously called some of the NBA’s most significant contests, including nearly every edition of the NBA Finals from 2007 through 2023, with Jackson’s coaching stint with the Golden State Warriors in 2012-13 being the notable exception.

The evolution of the broadcasting booth continued with Doc Rivers temporarily stepping in before JJ Redick, now a prominent figure with the Los Angeles Lakers, took over. This progression eventually led to the current configuration featuring the seasoned Mike Breen alongside new analysts Richard Jefferson and Tim Legler, who recently joined the team, completing the fresh lineup for the NBA’s biggest games.

Despite the emergence of new media partners like Amazon and NBC entering the NBA landscape, ABC remains committed to airing the prestigious NBA Finals, with broadcast rights secured through the 2036 season. This ensures that the new trio of Breen, Jefferson, and Legler will continue to be the voices of championship basketball for the foreseeable future, including many high-stakes games involving the New York Knicks.

Indeed, the New York Knicks are slated for a significant presence on national television during the upcoming season, with 13 games scheduled to air on Disney-owned ABC and ESPN. This includes marquee matchups such as their highly anticipated season opener on October 22nd and the traditional Christmas Day game, both of which will be played at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers, promising fans ample opportunities to hear the new broadcast team in action.

Veteran sportswriter Geoff Magliocchetti, whose contributions span various sites on the “On SI” network, brings extensive experience to sports journalism. Beyond his comprehensive coverage of the New York Knicks, Geoff also regularly reports on other major New York teams including the Yankees, Mets, Liberty, and Giants, having previously covered the Jets, Buffalo Bills, Staten Island Yankees, and NASCAR.