Former 76ers Standout Replaces Doc Rivers for NBA Finals Broadcast

Following a three-year run as the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, Doc Rivers found himself let go after another second-round exit in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

Initially, Rivers searched for another coaching position, mirroring his move to Philadelphia after he parted ways with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2020 following an early playoff exit. The head coach garnered interest from the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks. Both organizations went in a different direction at the time.

As a result, Rivers got back into the broadcast game, joining ESPN as an analyst. Ahead of the 2023-2024 NBA season, it was clear Rivers would be on the call for the NBA Finals this year, joining Mike Breen and Doris Burke.

But before the season even reached the All-Star break, Rivers put down the headset and picked up a clipboard once again.

In a shocking turn of events, the Bucks cut ties with first-year head coach Adrian Griffin despite the team getting off to a solid start, which placed them second in the Eastern Conference.

After parting ways with Griffin, the Bucks made a call to Rivers and soon hired him as their next head coach to replace the rookie. ESPN then had to pivot to another candidate to help call the 2024 NBA Finals.

The choice? Former Sixers sharpshooter JJ Redick.

According to The Athletic, Redick will replace Rivers and join Breen and Burke in June.

Since calling it a playing career, Redick has become one of the most notable risers in the NBA broadcast game. Not only is he landing more games to broadcast than ever this year, but he’ll be a part of the most significant call of the season.

The growth of Redick in the broadcast space shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Dating back to his playing days with the 76ers, Redick worked on growing his podcast in his spare time. While he continues to produce The Old Man and the Three, which has garnered over one million subscribers on YouTube, Redick has taken his hoops knowledge to the TV landscape as well. Clearly, his off-court work is paying off.