ESPN must team Stan with brother Jeff

ESPN must team Stan with brother Jeff

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ESPN should team Stan (l.) and Jeff Van Gundy with Mike Breen to be its No. 1 NBA broadcast team.

Dont worry, Ill find something else to do.

Thats what Stan Van Gundy told reporters Thursday when he called out Dwight Howard for urging Magic management to oust him.

If Van Gundy gets fired today, tomorrow, or after the season ends, another job should be waiting. ESPN must hire the Disheveled One to fill the empty seat next to his brother, Jeff Van Gundy, on its No. 1 NBA broadcast team.

It doesnt matter when. If SVG doesnt make it thr ough the season ESPN must make the move now. Team the Brothers Van Gundy, with play-by-play man Mike Breen, for ESPN/ABCs coverage of the playoffs.

It likely would mark the first time brothers worked together as analysts on the NBA, or any other sport for that matter. This isnt about some gimmick. It would give ESPN an entertaining pairing of coaches who explain the game in a plain spoken manner thats appealing to the broadest possible audience.

Face it, JVG aint exactly a disciple of Hubie Browns Popular Mechanics brand of analysis. JVG takes a more conversational approach. Imagine what those conversations would sound like with his brother at his side?

There would be debates. Those differences would escalate to sarcastic bouts of unbrotherly love, adding a new dimension to an NBA telecast.

While JVG is not that far removed from the game, SVG would be fresh out of it. He would bring added depth and insight.

Having two sets of highly (b asketball) educated eyes sharing insights and challenging each other would give ESPN the most compelling NBA trio (Breen knows how to play set-up man) on TV.

Most importantly, the VGs are truth tellers. SVG proved that again when he gave a reporter a straight answer about Howard.

If that eventually happens ESPN should call SVG. If he aint picking up leave a message: We want you.

VALENTINES FOR ESPN

While confirming he signed on with ESPN-1050 for a weekly spot on The Michael Kay Show, Bobby Valentine also said he turned down an offer from WFAN.

Why? Radio moles say FAN offered Valentine more money. So maybe Valentines decision was more about his former, and possibly future (managers are hired to be fired), relationship with ESPN.

The other reason might have something to do with Mike (Sports Pope) Francesa. Maybe Valentine wanted to appear on a show where he could actually complete a sentence. Kay allows him to do that. The Pope would be more inclined to finish Bobby Vs sentences.

GULAG THROWDOWN

Things got tough in MSGulags postgame studio Tuesday night after the Knicks gagged on a 17-point, third quarter lead losing to Indy, 112-104.