Jeff Van Gundy vs. Mike Fratello (Who’s a better NBA analyst?)
With the Knicks, Jeff Van Gundy displayed the sense of humor of a backboard. He made every loss feel like Armageddon. Postgame press conferences were painful to watch.
On TNT’s NBA coverage, Van Gundy seems downright spry. When he isn’t kissing up to refs (for future calls should he return to coaching), Van Gundy offers some honest appraisals, and piles on with Marv Albert to tease Mike Fratello.
Fratello takes the abuse in stride, subverting his ego to share the analyst’s role in the three-man set. When not playing the foil, Fratello sprinkles in good points.
Because neither Fratello nor Van Gundy have won an NBA title, a Matchup win would be the crowning achievement of either’s NBA career. While the Matchup feels badly about spinning Van Gundy back into post-loss bereavement, Fratello earns sportscasting’s highest honor.