Van Gundy takes sides
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- April
- 23
I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me until yesterday, but there’s something peculiar about Jeff Van Gundy’s recent public display of affection.
Why did he pick Mark Jackson?
Tom Thibodeau spent nine seasons lugging a clipboard for Van Gundy and breaking down film to the point of exhaustion. He is responsible for implementing game-to-game schemes that made New York and Houston stand out defensively. Isn’t that worth a mention?
Maybe there is a back story.
Van Gundy has always had great respect for Jackson, which is why the Brooklyn native enjoyed a homecoming late in his career. They are very much alike in word and deed. Jackson wears better suits than Van Gundy, though.
Don’t know if we’ll get a good answer to the question, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008 at 11:07 am by Mike Dougherty.
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You can’t expect Jeff Van Gundy to praise Tom Thibodeau when Mark Jackson is right there with him on TV.
“He is an expert in the areas of game preparation and player development. I feel that he’s one of the finest coaches in the NBA today and should be a top candidate to be a head coach.†– JVG on Thibodeau
I dont think Tom Thibodeau is the right choice for NY. Van Gundy has been nothing but supportive of the guy, but he probably thinks the same thing. You need to be able to handle the NY Market and you crazy media people day in and day out. Obviously Mark is media savvy and has the right demeanor and personality for it. Not sure Thibodeau has the experience of dealing with the media. His chance will come.
Mike, thanks for the take on the international coaches, I’m not sure I agree but I truly appreciate the quick response.
Lawrence, makes an interesting point re. the media. Any sense D. Walsh has been surprised by the scrutiny (ex. the JVG being added to the list flap, the persistence on defining IT’s role when it’s clear it was just meant to be a face saving firing…) You gotta wonder who would want to be subjected to this level of scrutiny (other than a presidential candidate).
Having said that, the more I’ve thought about it, the more I like Thibodeau. D + Boards = rings! Not that we’re anywhere’s close to winning a title but you got to build the mind set.
i have heard JVG praise Tom very highly in fact he is the one who originally brought my attention to him. I think it was on espn radio the day isiah got fired
Why we need Tom Thibodeau:
In 14 NBA seasons, Thibodeau has helped his team finish in the NBA’s Top Ten in team defense 11 times. He has also coached in 80 NBA playoff games in his career, including New York’s appearance in the 1999 NBA Finals.
Thibodeau will get his due, though; he’s been a decently known assistant for a minute now. Maybe he’ll consider college, come and coach the St. John’s team (New York’s other debacle)!