Jeff Van Gundy let go as one of ESPNs big-name layoffs

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ESPN has let go its top NBA game analyst Jeff Van Gundy, The Post has learned.

Van Gundy, 61, has been with ESPN for 16 years, calling the Finals with play-by-player Mike Breen and co-game analyst, Mark Jackson.

The Post reported Friday morning ESPN is letting go of around 20 on-air personalities in an effort to save tens of millions of dollars.

Jalen Rose, an analyst on “NBA Countdown,” was also let go by the network.

Van Gundy’s exact salary is not known, but he was making millions. 

Van Gundy has to be considered among the all-time greatest NBA TV game analysts, both by the numbers and his ability.

He ends his ABC/ESPN career just shy of a hundred NBA Finals games.

He has been routinely outspoken about the NBA, including its officiating, while displaying a relaxed demeanor on-air that allowed him to analyze the game thoroughly and provide humor with his sometimes outside-the-box observations. 

Everything to know about ESPN Layoffs

On Friday, ESPN began the latest round of its layoffs, with several big names among the 20 or so on-air personalities being let go.

Network stalwarts Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Suzy Kolber, Matt Hasselbeck, Steve Young and Todd McShay were some of the biggest names let go of by ESPN.

It marked the third round of layoffs by the “Worldwide Leader,” with the previous two focusing on behind-the-scenes workers.

The massive layoffs come as part of mandates from parent company Disney, which announced earlier this year that around 7,000 jobs would be eliminated.

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Jeff Van Gundy has been laid off by ESPN. NBAE via Getty Images

While Breen is a Hall of Famer and Jackson has his merits, Van Gundy was the one that made the lead booth go.

ESPN and Van Gundy declined comment.

ESPN is expected to replace Van Gundy on its No. 1 team.

Internally, JJ Redick, Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson are the most likely candidates.

Jeff Van Gundy with Mark Jackson during NBA Finals. NBAE via Getty Images

Doc Rivers could be an outside choice; especially if his salary demands are offset by what the Sixers still owe him after firing him as their coach.

Rivers is very close with Breen.

Prior to working at ESPN, Van Gundy was an NBA coaching lifer.

Jeff Van Gundy coached for the Rockets in 2006. NBAE via Getty Images

He was an assistant on the Knicks bench from 1989-96 under Stu Jackson, Pat Riley and Don Nelson.

He then became the head coach of the team from 1996-2002, an era that fell short of a title but is very fondly remembered by the franchise’s fans.

He later coached the Rockets from 2003-07.

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