Longshot candidate Jeff Van Gundy admits he’s conflicted about being included on Donnie Walsh’s Knicks coaching list.
But during yesterday’s ABC’s playoff telecast, Van Gundy seemed to make a concession speech in giving a gigantic endorsement to his broadcast partner and lead candidate, Mark Jackson, for the position that officially opened up Friday night with Isiah Thomas’ ouster.
“He’s the right guy at the right time for the New York Knicks,” said Van Gundy, with Jackson by his side. “It’s a one-horse race right now. It’s his time. He will do a tremendous job if given the opportunity anywhere. But particularly a New York guy in New York, great ideas on basketball philosophy, great communication skills.”According to a source, coaching interviews will begin Wednesday, and it could go quickly if Jackson shines. Van Gundy dismissed his candidacy further when Knicks announcer Mike Breen asked about Walsh putting him on his list.
“He must’ve been desperate,” Van Gundy said.
Scott Skiles, who played for Walsh in Indiana, and Herb Williams also will talk with Walsh. But Skiles is despised by Jamal Crawford and Eddy Curry, both well-liked players in the locker room.
Jackson said during yesterday’s broadcast, “Donnie Walsh is a guy I’ve had a great relationship with and a lot of history with. This is a job that’s very intriguing.”
In a statement released earlier in the day, Jackson said, “The New York Knicks are one of the most storied franchises in all of sports, and I am honored Donnie Walsh mentioned my name as a candidate. Coaching has always intrigued me.”
The Post first reported Jackson had emerged as the top candidate. The Post also reported Walsh had wanted to interview Jackson in Indiana last year, but Larry Bird nixed it.
In Friday’s conference call, Walsh detailed what he wanted to hear from Jackson in an interview after complimenting him as being “one of the smartest guys who ever played for us in Indiana. He’s always a guy I thought could make a real fine head coach. I certainly will interview him.”
Walsh didn’t sound concerned Jackson has no coaching experience, though it’s known Jackson wished he had become an assistant coach instead of a broadcaster.
“Larry Bird got us to The Finals and he was a coach with no experience,” Walsh said. “But it depends on a lot of factors, what type of team you have, how he’s going to organize his staff.”You have to get a special person to do that and there will be certain things I’ll be looking for when I talk to Mark that will signal to me if he’s ready. Does he understand the challenge and logistics of being a coach, to start a team from Day 1 to go to The Finals? There are certain things I will be looking for with Mark when I sit down with him.”
Van Gundy’s company line has been he doesn’t see himself coaching next season. But in an ESPN Radio interview Friday with Michael Kay, Van Gundy didn’t sound as disinterested as he did yesterday.Van Gundy also is aware his abrupt Knicks departure could damage his chances of working for the organization again. And he probably figures he’s too much of a longshot to pursue this with Jackson in the forefront.
When asked what he’d do if Walsh calls him, Van Gundy said, “That’s a great question. I can’t give it any answer because I haven’t given it any thought. I have many conflicting things. Broadcasting is fitting my lifestyle very well. But the Knicks are the Knicks. Anybody who coached or played there, it’s absolutely the best place to coach or play in the NBA. I really don’t know.”
Van Gundy said he sees himself broadcasting unless “an unbelievable opportunity” opens up.
Owner James Dolan has never forgiven Van Gundy for quitting at midseason in 2001. It would be a very awkward reunion. Walsh said the topic has not come up with Dolan, an indication he’s not a serious candidate.
Referring to his messy exit, Van Gundy said, “I made a decision that was right for me and what I thought was right for the Knicks at the time. If that overshadows my service to the Knicks in his mind, I’d be disappointed.”
Van Gundy hinted his resignation stemmed from displeasure with ownership and its strict media policy.
“I didn’t necessarily agree with where we were headed in the organization at that time,” Van Gundy said. “I loved the players we had. I thought I saw things differently. I think the Knicks wanted a change in voice. They didn’t obviously want it at midseason but I stand by it. But if it hurts me in the future and overshadows in some people’s minds how I left and overshadows what I did, I can live that.”
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A source said Larry Harris and Mark Warkentien are emerging as the Knicks’ top GM candidates over Billy King, who spoke with Walsh earlier this week. Walsh may be searching for a hardcore scout guy to do the bulk of travel, which isn’t King’s forte.
Should he stay or should he go?
With a new president in place and a new coach on the way for the Knicks, The Post’s Marc Berman assesses the chances of each current Knick being sent packing this offseason.
Quentin Richardson: He’s shot. Could be buyout case since you can’t trade him because of uninsurable contract. 60 percent gone.
Eddy Curry: Shocking to see his low-post game evaporate. Donnie Walsh could clear major cap space with a trade, as Walsh wants his centers defense-oriented. 60 percent gone.
Zach Randolph: Spent the whole season hoisting contested perimeter jumpers and not getting back on defense. Walsh would give his left lung to deal him, but his contract is a killer. 30 percent gone.
Stephon Marbury: Walsh will explore signing a younger point guard for a two-year mid-level exception (Chris Duhon?) before he can talk buyout. Trade will be tough under parameters. Marbury is lone PG on roster, so could go either way. 55 percent gone.
Jamal Crawford: Isiah Thomas handed him the keys to the offense after Marbury went down and he crashed the car. Not a floor general and hasn’t improved perimeter defense. But with a real PG to play off of, he’s a keeper. 10 percent gone.
Nate Robinson: Not a starter in this league because he’s too small to defend. Not a bad guy to come off the bench for 15 minutes next season. 40 percent gone.
David Lee: A building block. He got more confidence in his face-up jumper as season went along. Great rebounder and Sixth Man. 8 percent gone.
Renaldo Balkman: Sophomore jinx smacked him down, but too young and athletic to give up on. Lost all confidence in offensive game. 35 percent gone.
Jared Jeffries: Who’s going to want this stiff with that contract? 7 percent gone.
Malik Rose: Doesn’t want to be here and overrated as locker-room leader. Walsh will shop his expiring contract. 70 percent gone.
Jerome James: For a team that finished last in the league in shotblocking, Isiah should be ashamed for not using him when he got healthy. Walsh likes his shotblocking, but health could prompt buyout or medical retirement. 65 percent gone.
Fred Jones: A free agent who didn’t distinguish himself as a so-called solid defender and won’t be re-signed. Chances of leaving: 99 percent gone.
Wilson Chandler: Could start at small forward next season with his big finish that impressed Walsh. 4 percent gone.
Mardy Collins: Slow to begin with, offseason knee surgery made him slower. Nobody wants him. 35 percent gone.
Randolph Morris: A free agent who won’t be re-signed, since decision is Walsh’s, not Isiah’s. Morris got worse instead of better during his late-season audition. 98 percent gone.