Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Legend JJ Redick May Get Major Career Upgrade

Duke basketball alum JJ Redick is reportedly out front in the running for a spot on ESPN's lead NBA broadcast team.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Last week, Doc Rivers, father of former Duke basketball one-and-done Austin Rivers, became the Milwaukee Bucks head coach. That move left play-by-play voice Mike Breen and analyst Doris Burke without the third piece to ABC/ESPN's lead NBA broadcast trio.

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Now, according to The New York Post's Andrew Marchand, ESPN is considering one name to join the group following the All-Star break (Feb. 16-21). And that talent is former four-year Blue Devil sensation and retired 15-year NBA guard JJ Redick.

Marchand reported that his sources are saying ESPN will decide during the break whether to add Redick or just continue with the duo of Breen and Burke.

It looks like there's no other top contenders in play, at least for now. However, Marchand noted that 43-year-old analyst and one-time NBA champion forward Richard Jefferson could become a candidate if ESPN opts not to go the Redick route.

As things stand, the 39-year-old JJ Redick, whose No. 4 is among 13 retired Duke basketball jersey numbers as the program's still-standing all-time leading scorer (2,769 points), is in his first season as a member of ESPN's No. 2 NBA broadcast squad alongside Jefferson and play-by-play announcer Ryan Ruocco.

Redick is a former NBA journeyman, having played for six franchises, and his expertise and passion are routinely on display during his various appearances on ESPN.

He spent most of his final two seasons in the league as a New Orleans Pelicans teammate to fellow Duke basketball products Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, putting the finishing touches on a career 41.5 shooting percentage beyond the arc that now ranks No. 18 overall in NBA history.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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