Kenny Smith wants answers. Amid ESPN’s recent wave of layoffs , which included blowing up the long-standing NBA Finals broadcasting trio of Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Marc Jackson, TNT’s “Inside the NBA” commentator wondered how the network could make such controversial changes. “I’m not really sure how they’re [ESPN] doing it. I’m not really versed on why they’re doing all their cuts and how, is it budgetary? Because certain guys are getting let go, and then you hire someone else for more money. I have no idea why they’re doing it, but stability is what brings success,” Smith told Front Office Sports . In addition to firing Van Gundy and Jackson — who will be replaced by Doc Rivers and Doris Burke —
ESPN also moved on from Jalen Rose, Vince Carter, and they’re close to a deal with ex-Warriors general manager Bob Myers , The Post’s Ryan Glasspiegel reported. The network has also replaced Mike Greenberg with rising star Malika Andrews as the NBA Finals host, according to The Post’s Andrew Marchand . Smith said the continuity of “Inside the NBA,” which has consisted of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Smith for more than a decade, is what brings viewers back. “That’s family, we’re not even a show anymore,” Smith said. “It is what ‘Monday Night Football’ was when I was growing up with Howard Cosell and those guys — we’ve become that for
basketball. “It’s just an unbelievable accomplishment and a great energy that every time you walk into the studio, you’re happy to be there.” “People can count on certain things, I think that’s what makes us the best show on television. We have stability, we’re entertaining,” Smith continued. “But more importantly, we have stability. We have guys that you really can count on that know the game.”