ESPN/ABC must really value chemistry amongst its broadcasters for NBA games.
For four seasons, NBA fans were treated to a broadcast booth that featured the Knicks' play-by-play man, Mike Breen, former Knicks guard Mark Jackson, and former Knicks head coach, Jeff Van Gundy.
The chemistry and camaraderie between the trio was undoubtedly evident, as they would exchange knowledge about the NBA, challenge each other's instincts, and of course, banter with one another like they had known each other for years (which they had, in fact).
Jackson, however, has for years coveted a head coaching position, despite not having any other prior experience. However, with ESPN/ABC, Jackson did have a platform to preach his basketball philosophies. The Warriors had liked what they had heard enough to offer Jackson the opportunity he had been craving for quite some time.
With the former guard finally joining the coaching ranks, there is without question a void now present in the broadcast booth. With that said, ESPN/ABC has in fact found a way to allow the three partners to carry on their tradition of spending opening night of the NBA season together.
Breen and Van Gundy will perform an act worthy of broadcasting stuntmen, calling two games in two different cities on Christmas Day.
The two will call an NBA Finals rematch between the Heat and Mavericks, scheduled for 2:30 EST, then jet to Oakland to call their friend Jackson's first game as a head coach when the Clippers face off against the Warriors at 10:30 EST.
Joining the New York friendly duo to call the game in Oakland will be Brooklyn native Chris Mullin, who of course is no stranger to the Warriors, having entered the Hall of Fame as a Warrior just this past summer, as well as previously spending several season as the team's G.M. and President of Basketball Operations.
Mullin also just so happens to be a good friend of Jackson's as well, having been his teammate in college at St. John's, as well as on the Pacers in the NBA.
Breen is excited to work with the fellow New Yorker. The play-by-play man quipped, "It gives us an extra person to take shots at Mark and that really is basically the most important thing."
No word yet on whether or not Mullin, the Hall of Fame guard turned ESPN analyst, will ultimately replace his friend in the broadcast booth on a more permanent basis. He was also seen last season providing commentary for a string of St. John's games.
One thing is for sure; if he does, there certainly won't be any loss of major chemistry. Having all spent a great amount of time in New York, the three would have that in common. Breen has known Mullin personally for years. Furthermore, Mullin played on many of the Pacers' squads that squared off against Van Gundy's Knicks teams in the '90's.
A union of the trio is certainly supported by Knicks Journal. On a side note, both Breen and Mullin participated in offseason interviews with the site.
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