" To me, it doesn’t matter who’s out there: NBA basketball is great – if teams are putting out their best players and they’re competing to win. "
- Jeff Van Gundy

In simple terms, Jeff Van Gundy expresses his admiration for NBA basketball when players are fully committed to putting their best efforts forward and competing fiercely with the goal of winning. He believes that regardless of who is playing on any given night, what truly makes a game special is the intense competition and the commitment of the athletes to play at their highest level.

On a deeper level, Van Gundy's statement underscores the importance of genuine effort and rivalry in sports, suggesting that it is the heart and soul with which players compete that defines a great basketball game. This perspective highlights how the essence of any sporting event lies not just in who participates, but in the quality of performance and the spirit of competition among participants. It also implies that fans appreciate watching matches where athletes are fully engaged, pushing each other to perform at their best.

Jeff Van Gundy is a well-known figure in basketball circles as both a coach and an analyst. He has extensive experience in the NBA, including coaching stints with several teams such as the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. His insights into the game are highly regarded for their depth and clarity, making him a respected voice on all aspects of basketball.