ESPN execs have been "so impressed" by former NBAer Paul Pierce’s work as a studio analyst on "NBA Countdown" and "The Jump" during the postseason that they have "let him know they are interested in bringing him in fulltime" for the '17-18 season, according to Richard Deitsch of SI.com. Pierce said that he and his reps will "sit down with ESPN executives after the Finals but this is something he wants." The partnership has "been a success" so far, as Pierce has "added edge and additional bona fides." He has been "candid" during his trial run. Pierce said that he is "much more comfortable this year given the additional reps." He did some guest work on "The Jump" during the '17 NBA All-Star Game, so ESPN execs have been "scouting him for some time." This year Pierce is "more apt to jump into conversations without being prompted" (SI.com, 6/11). In N.Y., Bob Raissman wrote after "years of unsuccessfully trying to produce an NBA studio show that is not totally unwatchable," ESPN has "finally found a mouth with impact, a fearless cat who is likeable as well" in Pierce. He "entertains as he analyzes." Pierce is "compelling, someone who is capable of bringing eyeballs to a pregame or postgame show." Like TNT's Charles Barkley, viewers "want to hear what Pierce has to say." During the Finals, Pierce has "brought buzz" to "NBA Countdown," something that has been "near impossible" in recent years (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/11). In Tampa, Tom Jones writes ESPN's NBA studio has been "outstanding, including the latest addition" in Pierce. Jones: "I often don't agree with Pierce, but that doesn't matter." His points are "strong, well-argued and, chemistry-wise, he fits in well" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 6/12).
