Former NBA star Jalen Rose is making a notable return to ESPN after being let go during significant employee cuts in 2023. Rose, who transitioned to a broadcasting career following his retirement from basketball in 2007, had spent over a decade as an analyst for the network before his unexpected departure.
Recent reports indicate that Rose will be back on the network temporarily, making his appearance on ESPN’s coverage this Friday night as part of the NBA studio team produced by TNT. He is stepping in for Shaquille O’Neal, who will return to the show for the weekend broadcasts of Inside the NBA. The news has been met with excitement from fans, with many expressing their happiness for Rose’s return, even if just for a limited time.
One viewer expressed their support on social media, stating, “Happy to see my boy back, even if it’s temporary.” Another commented, “Thought he was so much better filling in with the TNT crew than he ever was on ESPN.” This demonstrates the affection and appreciation fans have for Rose’s contributions to sports broadcasting.
In addition to his return to ESPN, Rose is also involved with TNT Sports, where he provides coverage for Big 12 men’s basketball. He is well-regarded in the basketball community, having been a standout player at the University of Michigan during the renowned Fab Five era in the 1990s. Over his college career, he made a significant impact with averages of 17.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists across 102 games.
Rose also had a successful 13-year NBA career, in which he played for six different teams and averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds over 923 career games. Currently, he contributes to Big Ten men’s basketball coverage for NBC and Peacock. With his return to ESPN, fans of basketball and sports commentary alike are hopeful for more insightful analysis and engaging presence from Rose in the coming days.