07-11-2018, 04:05 PM
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#65
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Retro NBA Nut
OVR: 19
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Ireland
Posts: 1,525
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Knicks Van Gundy Resigns.
Jeff Van Gundy resigns from Knicks.
December 23rd, 2001 | by espn.com
Jeff Van Gundy resigned unexpectedly today as head coach of the New York Knicks, in the midst of a 4 game losing streak.
The stunning decision came a day after Van Gundy angrily ended practice early because he thought his players lacked intensity. He said he had been considering resigning since the summer and finally decided to do so because he had "lost focus" as a coach.
"In my heart I knew what was right, but it was still a difficult decision to come to," Van Gundy said at the team's practice facility.
"I didn't feel my focus was at its best. I didn't want to hurt our team. I certainly don't regret the effort I put forth. I just think it's time to step back and let the team move on."
Van Gundy said he had spoken with team president Scott Layden several times since the summer to express how he was feeling and that he decided Wednesday -- the day after a 99- 75 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers that enough was enough.
He is the first NBA coach to resign or be fired this season.
"I'm going to step back and exhale for the first time in 13 years," Van Gundy said. "When I told my daughter today, she said: 'Does this mean you get to have lunch with me?' So that's cool."
Van Gundy told the players of his decision at their morning shoot-around.
"We were all shocked. I didn't see this coming at all," guard Mark Jackson said.
Van Gundy took the Knicks to the playoffs in each of his first six seasons, including a trip to the 1999 NBA Finals and two trips to the Eastern Conference finals.
Assistant Don Chaney will take charge of the Knicks Christmas day game against the Bulls.
The Knicks have lost 7 of their last 8 games, with only a solitary win over the Supersonics to show for a horrible last two weeks. The Knicks now are 16-17 and are still in the playoff hunt in 8th place. They are being hunted down by the Milwaukee Bucks and 76ers who are almost back to full health.
Van Gundy, 39, had been a member of the Knicks' staff since 1989, serving as an assistant under Pat Riley, Don Nelson and Stu Jackson.
Van Gundy's only other head coaching job was at McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, N.Y.
He leaves as the third-winningest coach in team history with a record of 248-172, including 10-9 this season, his seventh.
"He said he wanted to spend more time with his family. He's a little burned out," guard Howard Eisley said.
Van Gundy had two years remaining on his contract and was due to be paid about $7.5 million. He said he had no idea what his future holds but added that he loves coaching in the NBA.
Jeff Van Gundy is the third-winningest coach in Knicks history, with a 248-172 record in six-plus seasons.
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