source:blogs.orlandosentinel.comNBA players voted the Orlando Magic’s Stan Van Gundy as the most annoying coach in the league — and it’s not even close.
Of 138 NBA players polled by Sports Illustrated, 65 percent said Van Gundy is the most annoying coach during games. Phil Jackson of the Los Angeles Lakers and Scott Skiles of the Milwaukee Bucks each received seven percent of the vote, tying for second place.
Van Gundy is loud and animated during games, constantly barking instructions to his players and complaints to the referees. Even on television, you can often hear Van Gundy’s raspy voice through the tiny microphones at each rim. And when you combine his animated coaching style with his strong emotions and high attention to detail — even in the final seconds of blowout victories — you start to see why Van Gundy dominated the players’ vote.
But, as noted at Orlando Pinstriped Post, Van Gundy’s annoyance doesn’t necessarily mean he bugs his own players, as several members of the Magic (Hedo Turkoglu and Quentin Richardson, for example) have praised Van Gundy for his ability to get the most out of his guys.
Now, while Van Gundy is certainly loud during games, it’s possible some players may have misunderstood the question.
Sports Illustrated’s phrasing specifically says “during games,” but I have a feeling some players named their most annoying coach overall, based on Jackson’s inclusion.
Jackson is relatively quiet during games and spends more time sitting than perhaps any other head coach. Players may be annoyed, however, by Jackson’s sarcastic jabs and perceived sense of entitlement that comes with 11 NBA championship rings.
It’s possible Van Gundy’s infamous outspokenness may have been at work here, rather than his loud voice during games. No other coach in the NBA — or sports, for that matter — is more honest and open about other teams, coaches, players and commissioners than Van Gundy.
So, maybe players don’t find Van Gundy annoying during games as much as they find him annoying overall. I swear, when I began this point, I was trying to make Van Gundy feel better.
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