[USATODAY] Van Gundy works Lakers-Rockets game for ESPN

This should be very entertaining.....looking forward to seeing JVG again and have him call a very important game for the ROX.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/2007-11-14-2251715929_x.htm

By Chris Duncan, AP Sports Writer
HOUSTON — Jeff Van Gundy returned to the Toyota Center on Wednesday night for the first time since he was fired by the Houston Rockets in May, working as a television analyst for the Lakers-Rockets game.

The Rockets went 52-30 last season, then lost to Utah in seven games in the playoffs. The Jazz eliminated Houston with a 103-99 win in Game 7 in Houston and Van Gundy was fired two weeks later.

ESPN hired him as an analyst before the postseason was over.

"You've just got to make the best of whatever (situation)," Van Gundy said, "and, thankfully, I got to do this."

As he entered the arena, Van Gundy had flashbacks of the stinging loss to Utah. He said working a Rockets game here will help purge the memories.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Utah | Western Conference | Houston Rockets | Jazz | Bonzi Wells | Toyota Center | Absolutely | Van Gundy | Adelman | Lakers-Rockets

"Strangely, it's actually good to have to come in and get through," he said. "But I don't think you ever get closure on losses like that."

Rick Adelman replaced Van Gundy, and the Rockets were off to a 6-2 record heading into Wednesday's game. Van Gundy likes what he sees, adding that he expects the Rockets to contend for the Western Conference championship.

"They've played tremendous defense, crushing teams on the board," Van Gundy said. "They're going to be a very good offensive team by the end of the year. You combine that with exceptional defense and rebounding.

"People say, 'Could they be the top seed in the West?' Absolutely. I could see them winning 57, 58 (games)."

Van Gundy said he wasn't going to have any problems staying objective during the telecast.

He said he'd easily compliment players who he didn't always get along with, like Bonzi Wells. The two clashed last season and Wells hardly played. But Wells has played well under Adelman, averaging eight points and 6.6 rebounds in Houston's first eight games.

"Even the guys that maybe didn't like you, or you didn't particularly like, or didn't like their approach, there is still a bond," Van Gundy said. "I take that seriously. You're not just loyal to the guy when he's with you. Even if you thought the guy wasn't so great, you coached him.

"At the same time, you can't skirt your duties that you signed up for."
The Associated Press