Jeff Van Gundy will be part of the broadcast team bringing the NBA Finals to millions of viewers over the next couple of weeks. And unlike most people on television, who pretend not to care who wins the game, JVG has made his allegiance in this pivotal matchup loud and clear.
In the Van Gundy home, they call it family loyalty. From Newsday:
“I’m going to try to be as objective as possible,” he said, “but I want my brother’s team to win; there’s no question about that.”
When Stan Van Gundy’s Magic took a 2-1 series lead over the Cavaliers, his younger brother discussed the looming potential conflict with his coordinating producer, Tim Corrigan.
“I said, ‘Hey, listen, if you guys don’t think it’s best for me to call the Finals, I’m fine with that, and I understand,’’’ he said. “I don’t want to compromise anything. They said they wanted me to do it.’’
The NBA is currently enjoying some record-breaking ratings, and according to some in the media, JVG’s rooting interests might drive the ratings even higher.
I have no issue with this. Van Gundy can cheer for the Magic all he wants. After all, a guy who owns part of the Lakers is in charge of providing analysis—or at least trying to—for Jeff’s network during breaks in the action.
