Former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy, who was TNT's analyst for Game 4 of the Nets-Celtics Eastern Conference semifinals last night at FleetCenter, said he likes his television gig "more than I thought I would." But Van Gundy clearly is the hottest commodity in the market for an NBA head coaching job.

According to an NBA executive, the Knicks have decided to grant permission to any team that asks to talk to Van Gundy even though they hold his rights until Aug. 1. It's possible the Knicks would ask for compensation if Van Gundy is hired before that date, but it would be minor.

Toronto was the first team that asked permission to speak with Van Gundy, and New Orleans and Cleveland also have asked. Van Gundy declined to comment on his situation last night, except to say he has not spoken with all three of those teams. However, there are indications he has spoken to new Cavaliers general manager Jim Paxson and has plans to meet with him.