Doris Burke’s credibility as a basketball analyst is unassailable, not that anyone who follows the NBA with any knowledge would even consider doing so. The former Providence College star, who has been working as a college and pro basketball analyst and sideline reporter at ESPN since 1991, has had to suffer the same narrow-minded nonsense inevitable to women who become prominent in men’s sports broadcasts. But she sees recent changes for the better, not only in the response, but somewhat charmingly, in the demographics.
“The level of objection to me has drastically reduced in the last 10 years,’’ said Burke. “Here’s where I feel the difference the most. When I walk into an arena, whether I’m the analyst or the reporter on the game, the younger generation of boys, 10, 11, 12 years old, they just start talking ball.’’ She says part of that is due to her presence in the popular NBA2K video game. “It’s putting me into their space. And the more you allow women into those spaces, the more of the norm it becomes. And that’s important.’’
Welcome news came earlier this week that Burke would occupy a new and important space on ESPN and ABC’s NBA broadcasts this season. The network announced that Burke will be a full-time color analyst, the first woman to hold that role for a full-season assignment on a national broadcast. The position opened up when Doug Collins left to join the Bulls as a special adviser Sept. 19. “As soon as it opened,’’ said Burke, who will continue to work as a sideline reporter during the conference finals and NBA Finals, “I said, I really would like that opportunity, I worked really hard to get that opportunity, and I hope my bosses will consider me.’’
According to network sources, it was an easy decision for ESPN management, which has not hesitated in recent years to use female voices on prominent men’s sports broadcasts, whether it’s Burke on the NBA, Beth Mowins on the season-opening “Monday Night Football’’ doubleheader, or Jessica Mendoza on “Sunday Night Baseball.’’ “I think one area that you can’t criticize ESPN is its willingness to put women in nontraditional, front-facing roles,’’ said Burke.
The NBA, particularly since Adam Silver became commissioner in 2014, has honed a deserved reputation as the most open-minded of the major sports leagues. Burke says that applies on and off the court. “To me, [the NBA] is the most proactive professional sports league in the world, and I mean that two ways. First, if they recognize that something inside the lines isn’t right or needs to be addressed they immediately take it to the competition committee. The other thing about the NBA is that it has always been an inclusive environment. Adam Silver has marched in the Gay Pride Parade. He wants his players to participate in the issues that are important to them.’’
Burke said she understands the perspective of the fan who might be initially wary of hearing a female voice in a broadcasting role usually occupied by a male. “When you hear someone do something for the first time, it’s foreign to your ear. I understood that,’’ she said. But any skepticism has rarely if ever extended to the participants themselves. “The players and coaches have been my soft-landing spot since the moment I entered the business,’’ she said. “And I’m talking specifically about the men’s coaches and players. In the generation that I have done the job, I don’t think that those two groups have ever considered my gender. If you know your stuff and do the job respectfully, the respect is reciprocated. That’s all anyone can ask for.’’
Pierce hired
The Truth has been confirmed. ESPN announced Thursday that Paul Pierce will join the network as a full-time NBA studio analyst. The 10-time All-Star and Celtics legend, who retired following the 2016-17 season after 19 seasons in the league, will regularly appear on “NBA Countdown’’ and “The Jump.’’
The news had been expected since Pierce drew rave reviews for his contributions to ESPN’s studio programming during the NBA Finals the past two years. Candid and opinionated, he vastly improved in the role this past postseason, drawing much attention — and holding his ground during the backlash — when he said Kevin Durant had surpassed LeBron James as the best player in the NBA after Game 2. Durant hit the winning basket in Game 3 and was the MVP of the Warriors’ five-game series victory.
“I love hoops, my whole life has been about the game, so this feels like a natural evolution in my career and I can’t wait for the season to get started,’’ said Pierce.
Pierce, who turns 40 Oct. 13, will appear on ESPN and ABC editions of “NBA Countdown’’ with host Michelle Beadle, and analysts Tracy McGrady, Chauncey Billups, and Jalen Rose. Pierce will appear on “The Jump’’ multiple times per week with host Rachel Nichols and a cast of ESPN NBA analysts and reporters.
CSN name change
CSN New England’s name is changing, but its content will remain largely the same. Starting Monday, the regional network will be known as NBC Sports Boston. The “brand evolution,’’ as David Preschlack, president, NBC Sports Regional Networks and NBC Sports Group Platform and Content Strategy, called it, will not impact the scheduled games, pre- and postgame shows, and other programming available on the network.
That’s the ‘Ticket’
The Globe is joining the sports podcast game. Season Ticket, produced every weekday in collaboration with WBUR and hosted by columnist Christopher L. Gasper, debuts Monday afternoon. It will feature a cast of Globe personalities (including your favorite media writer) discussing the Boston sports scene and beyond and can be found on iTunes Podcasts. Here’s hoping you find it as much fun to listen to as we’ll have putting it together each day.
