Jeff Van Gundy Nets: Why JVG Won't Be Next Coach in Brooklyn This Season

Some of you are probably hoping that Jeff Van Gundy vacates his post at the media table of ESPN's NBA coverage in favor of the head coaching job of the Brooklyn Nets.

But that's not going to happen.

Since Brooklyn axed Avery Johnson in the midst of a downward spiral—the Nets began the season 11-4 and currently stand at 15-14—there's been speculation that Van Gundy could be the replacement in Brooklyn (h/t ESPN).

This may be much to the delight of a few NBA fans, as if the former Knicks coach were to accept the Nets' coaching job, fans would be spared Van Gundy's sometimes obnoxious commentary on ESPN's telecasts of NBA games.

But don't get too excited, JVG haters.

Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Van Gundy will not meet with the team while an interim coach is at the helm.

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"I would never comment on a job that was filled. I was an interim coach. I hope P.J. has great success there. He's someone I respect greatly."

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Van Gundy is referring to P.J. Carlesimo, Brooklyn's assistant coach who was promoted to the head position following Johnson's exit.

Wojnarowski cites an incident when Van Gundy was the interim coach of the New York Knicks as his reason for not negotiating without a vacancy. New York's brass met with Phil Jackson while Van Gundy was serving as the interim head coach, and since then, Van Gundy has made it a personal rule not to negotiate unless there's a vacancy.

Definitely a classy move by the 11-year coach, which is why this move isn't going to happen this season. More than just following a certain professional code, Van Gundy demonstrated common courtesy, which is something today's sports world certainly lacks.

Would he be a great fit after this season is over?

Most definitely.

Van Gundy sports a career .575 winning percentage and, at the age of 37, guided the Knicks to an Eastern Conference title in 1998-1999. Five of his six Knicks teams reached the conference semifinals.

JVG is a coach who can keep the Nets grounded and focused on the task, and he can manage the locker room.

Brooklyn would be wise to let Carlesimo finish out the season and sign Van Gundy in the offseason. The team is familiar with its former assistant and adding an outsider in the middle of the season isn't going to help the chemistry.

The Charlotte Bobcats might be the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NBA, but the Nets played well for Carlesimo in a 97-81 win against Charlotte.

As long as Brooklyn shows promise through the season, Van Gundy certainly seems to be a promising candidate to be coaching the Nets at the beginning of the 2013-14 season.

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