Joe Mazzulla and Jeff Van Gundy already had one thing in common: they were both tenured as head coaches, after experience as assistants, at the young age of 34. Today, the two men officiate within the same house, the Celtics, the second having accepted a consultant position there.
Recently thanked by the ESPN channel, after having held the position of consultant for years, “JVG” will bring his rich experience as a former coach. He officiated for the Knicks, whom he led to the 1999 NBA Finals, and the Rockets for eleven seasons in total (57.5% wins).
“ He is so humble and approachable, and he has always made an effort to help others “, likes Brad Stevens at homeaccording to whom Jeff Van Gundy “ has been an unofficial consultant to many of us who grew up coaching “.
The two men met last July, during the Las Vegas summer league. The president of the club and coach Joe Mazzulla had agreed on the recruitment of Jeff Van Gundy, in particular for a potential integration within the “coaching staff”. He will ultimately have a broader role, under the direction of Brad Stevens. “ We are happy that he is here to bring his experience, expertise and wisdom to our group », Lists the latter.
“ Anytime you can add top professionals, with character, it’s no brainer. He has experienced every situation imaginable in the NBA, as a coach, in FIBA, we are lucky to have him “, formula for his part Joe Mazzulla which already notes a “ added value » linked to his arrival.
The young technician intends to rely on the newcomer, capable of taking another look: “ It’s nice to have someone who wasn’t there before who can have an unbiased opinion on the situation and what needs to be done. It’s a kind of fresh perspective because he’s not there all the time. »
This recruitment is also validated externally, by the current coach of the Knicks, Tom Thibodeau, and a very close friend of his counterpart. “ He’s not only a great coach, he’s also a great person. So whatever’s next for him, I know he’ll be up to it “, predicts the Knicks coach.
