ESPN analyst and former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy talks to The Post’s Justin Terranova about LeBron James, the coaching itch and the possibility of calling a game with his brother. Van Gundy, along with Mike Breen and Mark Jackson, will be calling the Lakes-Warriors game as part of ESPN’s wall-to-wall NBA action on Christmas.
Q: It was reported earlier in the season that Luke Walton was chastised by Magic Johnson for a slow start. Does that just come with the territory of coaching James?
A: The criticism that was leaked, that management wanted to be known, was unjust. It always amazes me how teams preach patience but then show an absolute disregard for patience. They put it on a scapegoat, which in this case was Luke Walton and next time it’ll be somebody else. … Luke knows he has no control over management’s reaction, but what he puts out there on a consistent basis is a real good team that winning is new to. He seems to have a great handle on his personnel and how he wants to use the different members of the team.
Q: Besides his talent, how has James changed the Lakers already?
A: He has brought back this aura that surrounds the Lakers. He has brought out this youthful enthusiasm from his teammates, as the franchise has floundered for a while. The pieces around him are different, but it doesn’t matter because he’s the fulcrum, the anchor, he makes it all work.
Q: How has David Fizdale done thus far with the Knicks?
A: He’s a tough-minded coach who I think is going to give much-needed structure and discipline to a young roster. He’s seemingly built a good relationship with Scott Perry and Steve Mills. That’s important in a rebuild because so many teams lose heart for a rebuild. They say it, but it’s hard to stick with it. Some teams don’t have the stomach for it, and when you start losing and blame starts being placed, it could be a divide. So he’s done a great job building that relationship. He’s innovative on his offense. I think it was an inspired choice.
Q: You told ESPN this week that you did have interest in the Knicks’ job this offseason. Are you starting to miss coaching more?
A: It’s been about the same. I always missed it. With any job you take the good with the bad and it’s hard to find the right fit. I am really fortunate to have a really good job that I enjoy. So, there’s no angst about coaching. If it happens, great. That’s why I like the Team USA and I’ve really enjoyed it. … I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about what’s next.
Q: Would you be interested in calling a game with your brother, Stan, who joined ESPN this season?
A: If we did, that’d be great. If we didn’t, that’d be fine, too. I talk to him enough on the phone. It’s not like the only form of communication is if we do a game together. He’s doing his thing, and he’s doing really well. If we do a game it’d be a lot of fun.
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