ESPN Fires Longtime NBA Finals Announcer Jeff Van Gundy

Jeff Van Gundy - Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Lakers

(Photo : Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - ESPN NBA color commentator Jeff Van Gundy stands for the American national anthem before calling a preseason game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers at T-Mobile Arena on October 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 114-99.

Longtime ESPN broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy has been let go by the sports network in its latest round of layoffs, according to the New York Post.

BREAKING: ESPN has let go Jeff Van Gundy, per @AndrewMarchand pic.twitter.com/7s2mbBqnbx
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 30, 2023

Van Gundy has announced in the last 17 editions of the NBA Finals, for a total of 97 games since 2007. Alongside Mike Breen and Mark Jackson, they regularly commentate marquee NBA regular season games on ESPN.

The 61-year-old has regularly been outspoken about the NBA and its officiating, and he does not hold back on controversial opinions, even about the players themselves.

JJ Redick, Doris Burke, and Richard Jefferson are the most probable candidates to replace Van Gundy on ESPN's NBA Finals team. Ousted Sixers coach Doc Rivers could also be considered for the job.

Jeff Van Gundy Used to be a Head Coach

Before joining ESPN in 2007, Van Gundy was a tenured coach in the league. He served as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks from 1989 to 1996 before being promoted to the top job.

He led the Knicks to a Finals appearance in 1999, but they came up short against the San Antonio Spurs. Still, his time with New York is fondly remembered by fans. He unexpectedly stepped down 19 games into the 2001-02 season in the middle of a winning streak.

Van Gundy went to the Houston Rockets for the next stage of his coaching career in 2003. He guided the duo of Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, but injuries and disappointments marred his final coaching spell in the NBA.