Jeff Van Gundy Believes Mike Miller Could Be The Knicks Coaching Answer

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When head coach David Fizdale was fired two weeks ago, most Knicks fans didn’t know who Mike Miller was.

A veteran basketball coach at the age of 55, but Miller’s NBA experience included only the 22 games he worked under Fizdale this season.

Most fans hoped getting rid of Fizdale would lead to a potential high-profile coaching hire, but according to Jeff Van Gundy, the Knicks may have found the right person with Mike Miller.

“He’s not the kind to win the press conference,” Van Gundy said during an interview with The Athletic. “All he’ll try to do is win the games. He is giving credit to the players. I think because of that it’s bread-and-butter basketball. It’s no thrills. It’s not gimmicky. It’s not something he gamed. It’s just fundamental, bread-and-butter basketball. What is winning in the NBA has always won in the NBA. Get more better shots than your opponent.”

Knicks interim head coach Mike Miller directs his team against the Atlanta Hawks on Dec. 17, 2019, at Madison Square Garden. Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Images

Van Gundy himself, who was the coach of the Knicks the last time they demonstrated consistent success, is often mentioned as a candidate to return, although its never been close to fruition.

Stepping in as an interim coach after the Knicks fired Don Nelson in 1996, Van Gundy ultimately became part of their long-term plan, leading them to the playoffs six consecutive years, including a Finals run in 1999.

Under Fizdale this season, the Knicks went 4-18. Since Miller took over as interim head coach, the Knicks have been much improved, going 3-3 while scoring 143 points Tuesday night, their highest regulation total since 1980.

According to Van Gundy, Miller could wind up having the interim tag removed after the season, just as he did more than two decades ago.

“As a lifer who has not had it easy to get to the NBA, he is enjoying this great opportunity,” Van Gundy told The Athletic. “And I’m not going to be surprised at the end of the year if Steve Mills and Scott Perry say, ‘Hey he did such a great job that we’re going forward with him.'”