KNICK NOTES
Jeff Van Gundy was conveniently missing from Garden courtside when TNT broadcast last night’s game against the Lakers – the Knicks’ first appearance this season on the network.
According to a friend, the former Knicks coach still felt uncomfortable and saw it as inappropriate to work a Knicks game this season, and TNT had no problem with that desire before the season.
The Knicks hold Van Gundy’s contractual rights until summer. One rumor had it that the Knicks brass requested he not do TNT’s Knicks game.
TNT spokesman Greg Hughes said he didn’t know anything about Van Gundy’s queasiness about doing the Knicks. Hughes said the first team of Van Gundy, Marv Albert and Mike Fratello requested the week off because they were doing Sunday night’s All-Star Game on TNT. Hughes said the first team was given a chance to take one Thursday off and chose this one.
Van Gundy is expected to make his first appearance at a Knicks game Feb. 28 when Patrick Ewing’s “33” is retired to the Garden rafters.
Don Chaney, who replaced Van Gundy last season after his abrupt resignation, understood if Van Gundy didn’t want to be broadcasting the game.
“If he didn’t feel comfortable, I’d understand that,” Chaney said. “He was here a long time and feels a kinship with the players and coaches. He doesn’t want to be criticizing them. But I think he’s really improved at [broadcasting].”
Chaney believes Van Gundy will be prowling the sidelines next season. “I know he still has the hunger,” Chaney said.
Chaney decided against starting Michael Doleac at center last night against Shaquille O’Neal.
“Doleac will still be a very important piece to put a body on Shaquille,” Chaney said.
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Allan Houston said he’s not surprised to hear the Latrell Sprewell trade rumors.
“I wouldn’t be surprised anymore because it’s a business,” Houston said. “A few years ago when I first got here, it would be surprising to hear certain names. It wouldn’t surprise me if they were putting both of us together in a trade.”