The NBA world was shocked when ESPN broke up the elite commentating trio of Mark Jackson, Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy and Jackson has spoken about his future plans and how he feels about Doc Rivers taking his job.
As expected, ESPN are set to replace Jackson and Van Gundy by elevating Doris Burke and hiring fired Sixers coach Rivers to form the broadcast team for the NBA Finals – along with Breen.
Jackson was all class when he was approached by TMZ in the street and explained how he has no ill feelings towards Rivers.
He even revealed that he has been in recent contact with the 2008 NBA Champion coach.
“I wish Doc nothing but the best,” Jackson told TMZ. “He’s a Hall of Fame coach, a tremendous guy. He’ll be great.”
The 15-year ESPN commentator appeared in good spirits and pretty relaxed for a guy who got let go only a few weeks back.
He said he doesn’t know if his next job will involve coaching or broadcasting but thinks good things are coming his way regardless.
“It’s going to work out,” he said. “Figuring it out now. But the next move will be my best move.”
“Excited about what God has for me,” he added.
Earlier this month, Breen expressed his sadness to see his partners, and more importantly good friends, get fired – seemingly at random.
“The other part of it is the personal part, and that’s tougher,” Breen told The Post. “Now, we’re going to be friends until the day we die. Those guys taught me so much about what I know about the NBA. I’ve learned more from those two than anybody. But they’ve also taught me about stuff that has nothing to do with basketball. I look up to both of them because not just their talents as broadcasters, but the kind of men they are. I just feel so privileged to have that time.
“I’ve always said that I’m so honored to call the Finals every year, but what made it so special for me is I got to call it with those two and seeing it come to an end, it’s hard to come to grips with.”
