Richard Jefferson Confirms Private Discussion With Therapist on ESPN’s NBA Finals Broadcast

Richard Jefferson brought more than basketball analysis to Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals — he brought honesty. In a hilarious and unexpectedly real moment, the ESPN lead analyst gave fans a glimpse into the mental side of hoops.

After Andrew Wiggins dropped a nasty crossover that left defenders wobbling, Jefferson delivered the line of the night: “There’s nothing like a crossover that can make your feet go one way and your soul go another.” The booth cracked up. Then Mike Breen added, “Do you tell your therapist that?”

Jefferson fired back without missing a beat: “Nah, he knows. He’s the one I talked to about it… he says yeah, that’s difficult.” The line hit. Funny, yes — but also real. In that moment, Jefferson reminded fans that even retired players carry those memories. The mental toll of getting “cooked” doesn’t vanish after retirement.

Jefferson, a 17-year NBA vet with four Finals trips and a 2016 ring, knows the grind. Admitting he still thinks about those moments — enough to mention them in therapy — shows how deep the game cuts, mentally and emotionally. Since taking over ESPN’s lead analyst role with Doris Burke and Mike Breen, Jefferson has brought personality, humor, and honesty to the booth. Their chemistry has energized the Finals broadcast.

He’s also had Burke’s back through recent criticism. In an industry full of noise, Jefferson’s loyalty shows his true teammate spirit. And it’s not just good vibes. His analysis has hit hard, especially his call-out of Tyrese Haliburton’s “tour dates” — a jab at the guard’s inconsistency.

Richard Jefferson once called the Finals “misery until the buzzer” in a Player’s Tribune piece. That pressure never really fades. Now, he’s using the mic to tell that truth — and fans are listening.

But Jefferson isn’t just talking about pressure — he’s living proof of how to handle it with grace and loyalty. When the spotlight shifted off the court and onto the commentary booth, he didn’t flinch.

Richard Jefferson Shows Up for Doris Burke — Loudly and Proudly

As ESPN’s lead broadcast trio navigates the chaos of Finals season, there’s been some unnecessary noise swirling around Burke. Despite being a Hall of Famer, a pioneer, and quite literally the first woman to call a major men’s championship on national TV, she’s somehow found herself at the center of scrutiny — especially after the Western Conference Finals. Rumors have even floated that her spot on ESPN’s top crew isn’t locked in moving forward.

But if there’s one person not letting that slide, it’s RJ.

Jefferson has been as vocal off the mic as he is on it. He’s called Burke “the godmother of basketball” and openly credits her for helping him grow as a broadcaster. On the SI Media Podcast, he put it plainly: “She’s one of the best… You’re excited to be teammates with people like that.” And honestly? It shows. Their on-air chemistry has been one of the best parts of these Finals — part insight, part banter, and full-on respect. And then there was the shirt.

During ESPN’s Women’s College World Series broadcast, Jefferson rocked a tee that said, “My Favorite Broadcaster is Doris Burke.” He didn’t just wear it — he showed it off, grinning and pointing right at Burke on camera. She laughed. The internet loved it. And everyone watching got the message: RJ’s not just here to analyze hoops. He’s here to stand by his teammate.

The ring, the years, the scars — RJ brought all of it into that booth. Not just to entertain, but to elevate. And he’s doing just that.