5questions for.. Jeff Van Gundy
ESPN analyst and former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy talks the LaVar Ball/ESPN relationship, the Cavs’ trade dilemma and the NBA title being a foregone conclusion with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: You were very critical of ESPN’s coverage of LaVar Ball and his condemning of Luke Walton. Is that problematic given you work for ESPN?
A: Frankly, I don’t know who would have a different opinion. Any other rational thinking human would have agreed. You’re basically advocating for someone to lose their job without trying to give a balanced approach. There was no follow-up question that I saw printed about losing the team. “How do you know that? Has that come from your son?” It was interesting because we’ve had a lot of layoffs at ESPN — and we’ve seen people hurt that have been part of these unbelievable cutbacks — then to be frivolous about someone else’s job to me undermines our credibility and humanity as a company.
Q: How difficult of a position are the Cavaliers in not knowing LeBron James’ future, when it comes to holding on to or trading that Nets pick?
A: I would say that pick is completely off limits. There is no trade they can make realistically with that pick that would make them better than the Warriors. Their deficiencies on defense are pronounced. They could still win the East. I wouldn’t count them out of that.
Q: How does Isaiah Thomas become part of the solution?
A: I am not going to make a judgment on a guy who’s just coming back from injury. He’ll be fine. He’s an outstanding offensive player. He does not help them on the other end. This comes down to, they’re bad on defense and they have to get better. There are no easy solutions and that’s why they’ll be very active to make their roster fit — and not take away from their offense, but add to their defense. Q: Is this the biggest gulf between the Warriors and the second-best team in the league? A: The Warriors will start as big a favorite as there has ever been in the NBA to win it. I am sort of surprised what the interest level in the league is given it is a foregone conclusion who is winning, but I am glad there is great interest. Q: How would you characterize Kristaps Porzingis’ development? A: He’s a very good player, there’s no questioning that. His offensive skill is good, rebounding could be a little bit better. I think learning (that) being the best player on a team is much more challenging than people know of. You have to deliver every night to give your team a chance to win and it’s something he’s learning, growing with. Every word and play is magnified. I think he’s doing well. It’ll be interesting to see how much more he’s able to grow and grow into the burden of being the best player on a playoffworthy team.