In an exciting development for basketball fans, ABC/ESPN is considering Grant Hill, Richard Jefferson, and Tim Legler to join Mike Breen and Doris Burke as part of their top broadcast crew for the NBA Finals. Sources intimately familiar with the network's plans revealed this information on Friday. While ESPN has the option to continue with a two-person booth featuring Breen and Burke, they are keen on establishing a three-person setup for the foreseeable future. ESPN declined to comment when approached for confirmation.

The lead NBA broadcast team at ESPN has undergone significant changes over the past year. Last summer, ESPN made the decision to dismiss long-time NBA Finals analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson amidst a round of layoffs. Doc Rivers was initially brought in as a replacement, alongside Breen and Burke. However, Rivers reneged on his promise to remain with ESPN after accepting the head-coach position with the Milwaukee Bucks. Following Rivers' departure, the network turned to rising media star JJ Redick, who made significant contributions as a podcaster, studio analyst, and commentator. Redick eventually left ESPN to become the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

In the wake of these departures, ESPN has now turned its attention to two former Duke stars as potential replacements. Grant Hill, aged 51, is currently under contract with TNT Sports, where he serves on the lead Final Four team alongside Ian Eagle and Bill Raftery. Hill also works as a commentator for NBA games and has various outside business interests. Another candidate being considered is Jay Bilas, aged 60, who, despite never having played in the NBA, is renowned as ESPN's top college basketball commentator and is involved in NBA Draft coverage. However, one source familiar with ESPN's internal discussions labeled Bilas as a longshot for the position.

Richard Jefferson, aged 44, is another contender for the coveted role in ESPN's top broadcast crew. Last year, he was passed over in favor of Redick. Formerly in charge of ESPN's NBA coverage, David Roberts had designated Ryan Ruocco, Jefferson, and Redick as the potential future trio for the NBA Finals broadcasts. Roberts, however, is no longer overseeing the NBA coverage after a recent reorganization spearheaded by Burke Magnus, the network's president of content. This reorganization saw veteran ESPN producer Mike McQuade assume control of the network's NBA coverage.

Tim Legler, aged 57, is an ESPN stalwart who has been with the network for several decades. Though often hidden from the limelight, he has garnered increased recognition in recent years and boasts a dedicated following, particularly as a favorite of Scott Van Pelt, who frequently features Legler on his late-night SportsCenter program.

ESPN has the option to observe how Breen and the trailblazing Burke fare as a duo before making a decision on whether to expand the broadcast team to include a third member. Basketball enthusiasts eagerly await the network's official announcement of their NBA Finals broadcast crew, as anticipation builds ahead of the highly anticipated Finals showdown.