ESPN Pulls Jeff Van Gundy From Knicks Telecast Amid Coaching Rumors

ESPN execs and NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy "decided it was best the color commentator not be part" of last night's Bulls-Knicks telecast, according to a source cited by Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY. With Knicks coach Mike Woodson "under pressure to turn around the team," Van Gundy -- who coached the Knicks from '96-'01 -- was mentioned by the N.Y. Post "as a potential replacement" (USA TODAY, 12/12). In N.Y., Marc Berman noted Van Gundy "was to have broadcast the game with Mike Tirico," but Jon Barry was "pegged to take Van Gundy's place on the telecast." ESPN Communications Manager Ben Cafardo "gave no specific explanation for Van Gundy being pulled." Van Gundy has yet to broadcast a Knicks game this season, but Cafardo said, "It's possible he'll be calling a Knicks game at some point in New York this season" (NYPOST.com, 12/11).