Jeff Van Gundy started his head coaching tenure in New York in 1996, taking over from Don Nelson. The California native was able to continue what Nelson had started, although the Knicks would still fall short in the playoffs. They lost to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinals, bowing to the Chicago Bulls 4-1.
Regardless, Van Gundy proved he deserved to be the Knicks head coach. He consistently led New York to deep postseason runs, with the pinnacle being the 1998-99 season, when he guided the team to the 1999 NBA Finals, ultimately losing to the San Antonio Spurs in five games, 4-1.
Undefined legacy
The 2000 All-Star Game head coach had quite a ride in his run with the squad from the Big Apple, and that also included getting involved in a couple of brawls.
One of the memorable scenes that most still remember was when the Knicks played the Miami Heat in the 1998 playoffs. This was the time when Alonzo Mourning of the Miami Heat and Larry Johnson of the Knicks came to blows . To break it up, Jeff ran onto the court and ended up falling and clinging on Zo’s leg.
When asked to comment on that incident, JVG would liken it to a criminal pleading temporary insanity . He admits that it was a foolish decision on his part to run to the court and try to play peacemaker.
Then, in 2001, Van Gundy was at it again. This time, it involved Danny Ferry of the San Antonio Spurs and Marcus Camby of the Knicks. Camby tried to land a vicious punch on Ferry, but the Knicks' second overall pick of the 1996 Draft ended up hitting Van Gundy instead.
“My legacy? I'm not a good peacemaker in big-man altercations,” Van Gundy said after announcing his resignation as Knicks head coach in 2001 via UPI .
Odd resignation
It was one of the light moments at the time, considering most were left wondering why Van Gundy had resigned. Given his success calling the shots for New York, the timing was a bit off. The team had played just 19 games and were on a winning streak at that point.
“I didn't feel my focus was at its best. I didn't want to hurt our team. I certainly don't regret the effort I put forth. I just think it's time to step back and let the team move on,” JVG said, leaving most perplexed at his decision.
Don Chaney would take over as coach of the Knicks for the rest of the season after Van Gundy’s unexpected resignation. This decision had a heavy impact on the Knicks, who finished with a poor 30-52 win-loss record and not enough to advance to the playoffs.
As for JVG, he would return to coaching in 2003 with the Houston Rockets. That lasted only four seasons. Jeff just wrapped up his senior consultancy role with the Boston Celtics and is set to become a lead assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers for the 2025 season.
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