PUCK’s John Ourand reported the idea of a fourth NBA media package is “about as dead as it can be,” as a source said there is “probably a 1 percent chance of it happening.” Execs from Amazon, Disney, and NBC “haven’t heard anything about a fourth package, virtually confirming the notion.” The current offers are “all based on three packages, and all three companies would have to scramble if the NBA decided to add a fourth, regardless of where those games came from.” Their position, of course, is that a fourth package sold to a big media company “would dilute the value of the eventual deal.” It is “unlikely any of the companies would walk, but they would definitely negotiate for lower prices” (PUCK, 6/20).
THE RIGHT GUY? In N.Y., Ryan Glasspiegel noted for the third time in a year, ESPN “must figure out what to do with its top NBA announcing team” now that former analyst JJ Redick has been hired to coach the Lakers. The network "should select" its own Tim Legler to work alongside play-by-play voice Mike Breen and analyst Doris Burke. One source noted Legler and ESPN are currently in discussions for a new contract. Legler is “also slated to be a color commentator on ESPN’s Summer League coverage,” which kicks off in July. For years, Legler has “wanted to do more games,” but ESPN decision-makers “resisted giving him a bigger workload onsite as he is so valuable in studio.” Sources said that ESPN leadership has “warmed up to the idea of him calling more games.” Glasspiegel wrote Legler “would be a great fit with Breen and Burke because he is so adept at communicating basketball nuances in a concise manner” (N.Y. POST, 6/20).
UNFINISHED MEDIA CAREER: THE RINGER’s Bryan Curtis wrote new Lakers coach J.J. Redick “might wind up back on TV.” It is "worth saying a few things about Redick’s unfinished media career." Curtis: “I don’t think Redick is a great game announcer yet. I think he might have the tools to become one.” He sounds “like he’s trying not to chew the scenery.” Early in the playoffs, there were times “when you could barely hear him.” He has “positive traits.” Curtis: “I liked his description of Irving as an ‘ethical scorer’ who doesn’t seek out cheap fouls” (THE RINGER, 6/20).
