NBA analyst Mark Jackson wishes replacement Doc Rivers ‘nothing but the best’ after he is laid off by ESPN

NBA analyst Mark Jackson insists he bears no grudge or ill-feeling towards Doc Rivers – the man replacing him on ESPN.

Jackson was one third of a popular broadcasting team at ESPN, reporting on 15 NBA Finals alongside Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy.

But both he and Van Gundy fell victim to the network’s latest round of lay-offs. Jackson admitted he doesn’t know where his career will take him next.

But he made clear that he has no ill-feelings towards Rivers, who will now join Breen and Doris Burke.

‘I wish Doc nothing but the best,’ Jackson told TMZ. ‘He’s a Hall of Fame coach. A tremendous guy. And he’ll be great.’

Mark Jackson wished replacement Doc Rivers ‘nothing but the best’ after his ESPN lay-off

Rivers is part of the new NBA team on ESPN after Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy were let go

In a twist of fate, Jackson and Rivers were traded for each other in 1992, when the New York Knicks sent Jackson to the Los Angeles Clippers for Rivers and Charles Smith. 

Jackson, who started working for ESPN back in 2006, annouced his departure last month. 

The decision shocked many NBA supporters but Jackson said he is excted for the next chapter of his career.

‘It’s going to work out,’ Jackson said. ‘Figuring it out now. But the next move will be my best move…  (I’m) excited about what God has for me.’

The 58-year-old spent nearly two decades in the NBA, eventually retiring in 2004 and moving into broadcasting.

Jackson coached the Golden State Warriors for three seasons – from 2011 to 2014 – before returning to ESPN.