Jeff Van Gundy doesn’t think Gregg Popovich’s rant on Monday was some kind of act. Van Gundy thinks San Antonio’s coach meant every word he said Monday about Zaza Pachulia’s knock down of Kawhi Leonard.
The ESPN broadcaster and former NBA coach phoned into the Tolbert and Lund show Monday on KNBR.
“I think this is the first time, maybe there has been another time but I don’t remember it, that Gregg Popovich ever went after an opposing team’s player,” Van Gundy said. “This is the first time. Before that, I think anyone would be hard pressed to find an instance after another player. So this is interesting. I think his heart was in this. I think he believed every single thing he said today.”
Van Gundy said this type of reckless closeout has existed for awhile. Coincidentally, Spurs defensive star Bruce Bowen was a maven at the craft, one of Popovich’s favorite players of all time. Earlier in the playoffs, Al Horford did the same play to Markieff Morris, who left the game and did not return. Van Gundy thinks the defender is responsible for his arms and legs and the NBA should look into changing the rule to incur significant penalties.
“I think what you’re saying is exactly how I look at it. Dirty to me starts with intent. And I would never say that Pachulia — not knowing him or not knowing what he felt on that play — tried to intentionally hurt Kawhi Leonard,” Van Gundy said. “So, I’m not going to go dirty. But I will say dangerous, or use your word, reckless. I think it’s crept in more and more. I think the league has been very, very slow to penalize it as it should. I read today there will be no update to a flagrant foul. I think in the offseason they have to look at this. They say they want to protect players, but right now that only pertains to kicks to the groin and shots to the head.
“But this is as dangerous as anything. The more and more players that are caught up under somebody, particularly outside the paint, Tom, on long jump shots. I think it needs to be a flagrant foul. And frankly, I have no problem where they go if a guy is hurt on the play, it’s a flagrant-two and he’s ejected.”