Jeff Van Gundy may be one of the best analysts in the business, but he still thinks of himself as a coach. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the NBA Finals are his last games behind a microphone for a while if the right opportunity arises.
Van Gundy sounded a bit itchy during a conference call earlier this week.
Q. How would you evaluate where you are regarding a possible return to coaching against staying in broadcasting?
VAN GUNDY: Well, you know, I think when you’re talking about broadcasting, I’ll never feel as comfortable broadcasting as I do in coaching because I’m just not ‑‑ I’m still a novice at it. Thankfully I work with the Tim Duncan of broadcasting in Mike Breen; his understated greatness really helps out a novice like myself.
You know, as far as coaching, in particular, listen, if anything ever makes sense for a team and for myself where there is a fit of vision and values, I’d obviously consider it. And ESPN has been, you know, so generous in allowing me to do that.
But I also realize just how good I have it with the job I have right now. I don’t take that for granted. I enjoy working with the people I work with. I enjoy being around the game. I’ve just been a big beneficiary of Mike and Tim, the producer, to help me try to get a little bit better every year.
Q. If you had to sort of go with your gut today, do you imagine you’ll be back in broadcasting next year?
VAN GUNDY: Well, you know, that’s the job I have right now, so I would think so.
One thing I’ve learned is I don’t look too far ahead. I don’t try to plan my life out. I have enough trouble getting ready to go to the airport today. So for me to plan too far ahead, I don’t do that. I just enjoy what I’m doing.
My dad gave me good, sound, solid advice when I was coming out of college, and he always told me, “Don’t worry about your next job. Just do the job you have as well as you can.” That served me pretty well and I’m trying to stick with that.
Q. The fact that you have gotten enjoyment in broadcasting and stayed close to the staple, has it made it easier for you to stay out of coaching?
VAN GUNDY: Well, the thing about broadcasting is the lifestyle of broadcasting is great. Like you said, you get to stay around the game. Now, it’s not as rewarding to me as coaching, but it’s also not as disheartening at times, either. So you have a more even‑keel lifestyle I think. That’s been great.
Like I said, I’m more than fortunate, more than fortunate with the job I have. I love to watch NBA basketball. I love to talk NBA basketball. And to the irritation of others, I like to talk about how I think NBA basketball can improve its game, too. Like I said, I’m very, very fortunate.
Q. There was a report yesterday that talks with the Clippers had become, quote, I think dormant, was the word. I wonder if you can touch on your interest in that job and also what about that job is so interesting
VAN GUNDY: Well, I made it my personal and ever‑changing philosophy to really stay away from specific questions about jobs. I think if individual teams want to talk about their job searches, that’s great.
But for me, I don’t think it does myself or any teams any good by me being out there and talking about interest level or their interest level or anything like that.
But the Clipper job in general is a great job. I think you have seen with their acquisition of players, they have done a good job building their roster. Obviously it’s imperative that they re‑sign Chris Paul, and it seems like that will happen. They have great practice facility, great arena, a fan base that has really grown and swelled.
And so to me, they are coming off a record‑breaking year win‑wise, road win‑wise, won their division, and just met a very, very good Memphis team in the first round. And Blake Griffin gets a little banged up, and it doesn’t take much to swing the tide in these playoff series that are so tight and so close.