No ill will from Mark Jackson toward Doc Rivers for taking ESPN spot

There are not any onerous emotions from Mark Jackson.

After being laid off in July as a part of ESPN’s dramatic restructuring, the previous NBA analyst wished “nothing however the most effective” for his replacement in Doc Rivers.

“I want Doc nothing however the most effective,” Jackson told TMZ Sports in an interview.

“He’s a Corridor-of-Fame coach. An incredible man. And he’ll be nice.”

Two-thirds of the crew for ESPN’s NBA Finals workforce has modified over this offseason, with Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy being changed by Rivers and Doris Burke.

Play-by-player Mike Breen is staying within the position, which he’s held since 2006.

The wide-ranging layoffs additionally affected Jalen Rose, Suzy Kolber, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Matt Hasselbeck and Steve Younger, amongst others.

The corporate appeared to chop big-name expertise with a purpose to save the roles of oldsters behind the scenes who don’t make as a lot cash.

However it’s nonetheless keen to spend massive at occasions, as seen with its addition of Pat McAfee, who signed a five-year, $85 million deal with the community, per The Publish’s Andrew Marchand.

Rivers has not been within the sales space for nearly 20 years, however commentated the 2004 Finals alongside Al Michaels earlier than he began because the Celtics’ head coach.

Jackson, who coached the Warriors from 2011-14 earlier than taking the ESPN job, informed TMZ he’s undecided what’s subsequent.

Jackson was usually linked to coaching jobs for a number of years after his Golden State exit, however these once-annual rumors have since died down.

“It’s going to work out,” he stated. “Figuring it out now. However the subsequent transfer might be my subsequent transfer. Enthusiastic about what God has for me.”