Reports of more ESPN layoffs apparently include one beloved name for NBA fans.
Jeff Van Gundy, the former NBA coach who had become the leading voice for the NBA on ESPN alongside Mike Breen and Mark Jackson, was let go, according to a report from the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand.
JVG had been at the network for 16 years after a career that included coaching the New York Knicks for seven seasons and the Houston Rockets for four more through 2007.
NBA fans were crestfallen at the report that Van Gundy would no longer be heard on ESPN’s NBA broadcasts anymore:
Ah man. I really liked listening to JVG with Breen. This is too bad. https://t.co/Uug529h725
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) June 30, 2023
How do you fire JVG and not Mark Jackson? https://t.co/bM6mGNx38j
— Michael Taylor (@eyelikehoop) June 30, 2023
this is a brutal loss for ESPN.
scoop c/o @AndrewMarchand and @sportsrapport https://t.co/Lphc6Op7vb
— Jeremy Layton (@JeremyLayt0n) June 30, 2023
The ESPN layoffs are underway on the last day of June! REALLY surprised to see Jeff Van Gundy go! Thought he & Mike Breen had great chemistry #NBA https://t.co/ZK1lJY9Ir1
— Jay Betsill (@TheFamousJay) June 30, 2023
Jeff Van Gundy is arguably the best color commentator in NBA history. Why would you fire that guy??
— Steven Cheah (@StevenCheah) June 30, 2023
ESPN firing Jeff Van Gundy is insane. His chemistry with Breen on their #1 team is perfect
When Clyde retires, which I assume will be soon, I wonder if MSG puts them back together
— Knicks Memes (@KnicksMemes) June 30, 2023
Jeff Van Gundy is as good as anyone at spotting in-game developments and adjustments in real time. Doesn't sugarcoat criticism. One of the best color commentators out there.
— Michael Pina (@MichaelVPina) June 30, 2023
ESPN losing Jeff Van Gundy is tough, especially since their basketball game coverage is awful enough.
— Rushard D. Anderson (@MaxJulien__) June 30, 2023