FORMER Knicks coach and ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy told The Post’s Justin Terranova that his biggest concern is that Knicks fans are beaten down after too many years of losing.
Q: Did the Knicks make the correct choice selecting Jordan Hill in the draft?
A: I can understand the fans’ disappointment with not getting Stephen Curry because he was the name guy, but at this point, it’s important for the Knicks to get a good fit for the team. And Hill’s someone that runs hard, which will fit in.
Q: Having once coached here, are you surprised the patience Knicks fans have given this new regime?
A: Some of that is diminished expectations and with those, you aren’t going to have the same passion. In some ways, you don’t want the patience to transform itself into apathy. I think that’s why it’s so important for the Knicks to keep improving. That will keep the fan base energized and make it more enticing for those free agents in 2010 to sign with them.
Q: Are you surprised the Knicks are pursuing Jason Kidd?
A: He is a good player. I thought Chris Duhon did an excellent job for them last year. He had some up-and-down games, but they really didn’t have a backup point guard they could rely on. It’s an interesting play by the Knicks, but not one I expect to happen. If they don’t get him it will be because they couldn’t match the years Kidd might want. I am not sure if the Knicks would want to cut into the cap space past this one year.
Q: Did the Nets make the right move by dealing away Vince Carter to the Magic?
A: Just how it’s important for the Knicks fans to trust Donnie Walsh, the Nets have to do the same with Rod Thorn. He took over a franchise that was just as good as the Clippers and have made them into contenders. Now they are in the rebuilding phase. And if Yi [Jianlian] and Courtney Lee turn out to be the players they hope they can be, then they will be right back there. I think it’s a great deal that should work out for both teams.
Q: Your broadcast partner Mark Jackson was linked to the Timberwolves job. Do you think he’s ready to be a head coach?
A: He has every component you would need to be an outstanding head coach. He is a tremendous communicator, he has a good X’s and O’s background playing for some of the greatest coaches in the sport. To me, if you are doing a coaching draft, he would be a can’t miss.