The Game: Interview with Jeff Van Gundy
Jeff Van Gundy was the head coach of the Houston Rockets from 2003 through 2007 as well as the New York Knicks and still makes his home in Houston. Now he’s the lead NBA analyst at ESPN. Jake, BK, and Cody, of the show Wheelhouse on ESPN Radio 97.5 caught up with the former coach to discuss all things Houston sports.
Jake Asman: There’s been a lot of changes in the Houston Rockets and it all started really with the trade for James Harden. How would you evaluate the job the front office led by Rafael Stone has done?
Jeff Van Gundy: Oh, I think they have done a tremendous job after being dealt a very difficult challenge with both Westbrook and Harden, both wanting out, you know, simultaneously. They’re going to have some growing pains going forward. But what they have now, once again, is hope. I think they have the ability now through what Rafael and his staff have done to put an exciting team on the floor.
Brad Kellner: Jeff, you used the word hope during that answer. The main guy who was giving Rockets fans hope moving forward is Jalen Green, the number two pick in this year’s draft. What are your thoughts on Jalen Green?
Jeff Van Gundy: So much depends on things we don’t know about any of those young players. You know, three summer league games doesn’t tell you anything. It just stokes the desire to want to see them more. But I really do believe that consistency is the elusive trait that not many players can find. We don’t know about health, about if money changes somebody’s love of the game, how much he’s willing to sacrifice to win. His rate of improvement. But certainly, you know, Green is exciting.
Cody Stoots: What’s your confidence level in Stephen Silas as the guy and what kind of challenge does he have.
Jeff Van Gundy: I’ve known Steven since he was a freshman in high school, I worked with his dad. We were both assistant coaches with the New York Knicks. And ever since that time, watching Steven grow in his basketball career, both as a player at Brown to the NBA, the one thing that stood out is work ethic and integrity. This is as fine a person as you could want to lead your basketball team. He will not be discouraged by last year. His challenge is to blend the veterans with the young players and form a bond. You know, Eric Gordon doesn’t want to wait three or four years. He wants to be good now.
Cody Stoots: Jeff, I’m going to disguise this as a basketball question, but it’s actually a baseball question. Have you ever seen a team just not be able to beat bad teams but play up to the level of good teams like this Houston Astros team? What do you think about these Astros?
Jeff Van Gundy: Baseball is so different because it’s not an intensity sport. Usually, you know, if you were running into that in basketball, you would try to up the intensity level and really have the appropriate fear of your opponent, right? In baseball, it just seems like there are certain matchups, for whatever reason, that just don’t work. But I really do believe, you know, Dusty Baker and the Houston Astros will be the last team standing. I think they’re going to win it.
Jake Asman: So going from the Astros, Jeff, to the Texans, what about the over/under four and a half wins for the Houston Texans in 2021.
Jeff Van Gundy: Over. They’re going to be the surprise team in the league. I’m a season ticket holder, so I’m a homer, but I really believe they’re going to get six wins. I don’t really remember a worse situation to take over than the one they took over with having Dejaun Watson both wanting out, legal issues, and him being healthy, but still doesn’t seem available. I’m saying six.
Jake Asman: Let’s hope you’re right. Texans win seven games. There might be a parade in this town, the way the Texans have been covered.
Jeff Van Gundy: I agree. I think about if the Astros win it all and the Texans win seven. And the Rockets show great promise. It’ll be a pretty good year in Houston sports.
