Richard Jefferson is aware of the outside noise. He knows what’s being said about ESPN’s lead NBA booth, about the chemistry between himself, Mike Breen, and Doris Burke. We wrote that the booth is still finding its voice.

For this year's Finals, it is Mike Breen, Burke and Jefferson. Next year, at this time, it very well could be a different team.

News broke on Wednesday that Doris Burke's future as a broadcaster at ESPN is not secure.  On Thursday, ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle sung the praises of the broadcaster as someone who has "changed the game" and inspired women in and out of the sports broadcasting industry.