If you're wondering where is Jeff Van Gundy now—look no further than the LA Clippers' bench. The former Celtics consultant and long-time ESPN analyst is now a key part of Tyronn Lue’s staff, serving as the lead assistant and defensive coordinator for the Clippers. And his presence is making a massive difference.
After a one-year stint as a senior consultant for the 2024 NBA champion Boston Celtics, Jeff Van Gundy returned to a coaching role—his first as an assistant since the mid-1990s. Despite the long gap, his impact has been immediate and powerful, turning around a Clippers defense that had slumped to mediocrity in recent seasons.
Before Van Gundy arrived, the Clippers' coach Tyronn Lue had seen defensive rankings fall to 17th in 2023 and 16th in 2024. With Van Gundy on board for the 2024–25 season, LA has skyrocketed to 3rd in overall defensive efficiency and 1st in defensive rebounding percentage—a category in which they ranked just 24th the year before.
Van Gundy’s coaching DNA is built on discipline and physicality, traits he picked up during his years with Pat Riley in New York. His emphasis on rebounding and transition defense has transformed the Clippers into a relentless unit. “Every game feels like the playoffs with JVG,” said Ivica Zubac, who credited Van Gundy for helping him improve on the boards and setting a tone of playoff-level intensity all season long.
Even Kawhi Leonard praised Van Gundy’s relentless preparation, noting, “Nobody watches this s— more than him.” His influence has ignited a defensive fire in the roster, inspiring even stars like Leonard and James Harden to raise their intensity.
That fire was on full display during the playoffs when Van Gundy got involved in a tug-of-war for the ball with Nikola Jokić—leading to a viral moment that only confirmed his all-in approach.
Off the court, Van Gundy has formed a unique partnership with Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. The two first crossed paths in Houston during the 2004–2005 season, and their rapport has only grown. Lue describes Van Gundy as intensely focused, yet unexpectedly humorous and warm behind the scenes.
Even non-playing members of the roster have embraced Van Gundy’s methods. Patrick Baldwin Jr., tasked with mimicking opponents during practice, said Van Gundy made him study every nuance of players like Jokić to give the main squad the best possible prep.
Sixteen-year veteran James Harden summed it up perfectly: “It’s like the perfect relationship. They’re yin and yang… They just know what the hell they’re doing.”
So, where is Jeff Van Gundy now? He’s not just on the Clippers bench—he’s orchestrating one of the NBA’s most formidable defenses and proving once again why he’s one of the most respected minds in basketball.
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