Jeff Van Gundy did something Sunday that most NBA analysts refuse to do. He lambasted LeBron James.
The ex-head coach went all-in on James' apparent lack of defensive effort in the first quarter, especially when he allowed Jaylen Brown to drain a wide-open three. If the Cavaliers were going to win, Van Gundy declared, they needed James to be active on every single possession.
Van Gundy had his share of LeBron sycophantic moments during the Eastern Conference Finals as well. At the end of Game 7, for example, he said "no person has ever shouldered more" than James to get his team to the NBA Finals. Previously, Van Gundy declared just getting the Cavs to the Finals would be the greatest accomplishment of James' career, regardless of how the series turns out.
It's apparent Van Gundy doesn't have much respect for Cleveland's supporting cast. He predicted the Celtics would win the series in five games. Whoops.
Those arguable opinions are the primary reason why Van Gundy's voice is refreshing to hear on broadcasts. Unlike other analysts who exclusively traffic in platitudes, Van Gundy seemingly isn't afraid to speak his mind. He's figured out there's no shame in being wrong, as long as you're entertaining and informative.
Van Gundy, 56, breaks down the game like a coach, regularly calling out players for missed assignments and picking up other intricate details that may elude the average viewer. But that doesn't mean he's wonky. Towards the end of blowouts, of which there were many in the ECF, he's willing to participate in off-topic banter, too. Last week, Van Gundy admitted to never seeing any of the "Star Wars" films.
On Thursday, Van Gundy will call his 12th Finals as an analyst, the most of all-time. He's not a caricature like John Madden or even Tony Romo. But his voice is now synonymous with playoff basketball. Over the last decade, Van Gundy has been on the call for almost every big moment.
There's little doubt Van Gundy is the centerpiece of ABC's booth. Mike Breen, while solid as a play-by-play voice, is understated. Mark Jackson, meanwhile, is a walking catchphrase who seemingly starts every sentence with three phrases: "Give them credit," "if I'm (insert head coach here"), and when he's feeling critical, "That's the wrong call."
For some flair, Jackson often throws in this gem before commercial break: "Mama, there goes that man." Nobody really knows what it means, or even cares enough to ask.
Occasionally, Jackson will follow Van Gundy's lead and engage in critical banter. But it's clear he's the No. 2 act.
Despite his blunt and straightforward style, Van Gundy remains under the radar when it comes to national sports pundits. Perhaps that's because of Charles Barkley's superstardom, or the general popularity of the TNT crew in comparison to ABC's NBA team.
But when it comes to substance, and willingness to express opinions, Van Gundy is at the top of the class. He possesses all of the traits that an analyst should.
