Fired from ESPN after 16 years behind the microphone, Jeff Van Gundy had agreed last October to join the Celtics to take a position as supervisor of the G-League and NBA staffs. With this advisory role, JVG learned a lesson in humility from the young technicians of the Celtics.
“I've already spoken to my friends about it, only Sam Cassell I think is over 40, and as young coaches they don't get burned by the compliments. They are just focused on working with the players,” likes the former Knicks coach.
Especially since not all the staff necessarily know about his coaching career and his stints with the Knicks between 1996 and 2001 (which he led to the Finals in 1999), then with the Rockets between 2003 and 2007.
An exceptional atmosphere
“The young coaches have no idea who I am”he smiles. “Like, 'Who is this guy who always eats lunch first? We don't even know what he's doing.' It was so funny. One time, Joe (Mazzulla) asked me, 'Hey, have you ever been to the finals?' And I said, 'Yeah, probably when you were in second grade.' »
His return to the NBA was therefore crowned with success with the Celtics' 18th title. An almost perfect season, from start to finish, on and off the field.
“The players did not cause any scandal, and by that I do not mean that they accepted sanctions without causing drama. People don't believe me when I say this, but there hasn't been a single problem this year. Not one. Not one team problem, not one guy late, not one,” insists Jeff Van Gundy. “We couldn’t imagine a more perfect season from start to finish. And I think that comes from their talent, but also from the word 'sacrifice' which is often used. They were invested in their team every day even though they knew they couldn't get everything, all the time. »
But the adventure on the Boston side is already over for Jeff Van Gundy who is preparing to leave the offices to return to the bench, and it will be with the Clippers. Brad Stevens' offer saved him, as he recently admitted, and the former Team USA coach was invigorated by the experience.
Back on the bench
“Sometimes in life you are told that your services are no longer needed and that pushes you to think about what’s next” judges the now ex-advisor of the Celtics. “I'm grateful to have had this year and am comforted by the fact that personality still matters. The game as it is played has changed a lot. But what wins or loses matches at every level has never changed and never will. And I found it comforting. »
Once mentioned to replace Charles Lee alongside Joe Mazzulla, Jeff Van Gundy will ultimately become Tyronn Lue's right-hand man at the Clippers.
“No matter where it is, I will always be happy in basketball, and I would have been happy doing it in Boston. I'm really looking forward to spending time with the Clippers and Ty Lue, who I've known for over twenty years, since I coached him for a brief time in Houston and worked with him in the Federation.” he concludes. “I just love being part of a staff and working with great people who care deeply about winning basketball. »
