By ANTONIO GONZALEZ
Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- How's this for a twist in the Sunshine State rivalry: Orlando's Stan Van Gundy is coming to the defense of Miami coach Erik Spoelstra.
A day after Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson said Spoelstra's job could be in jeopardy if Miami doesn't start winning soon, Van Gundy called those comments "inappropriate" and "ignorant."
Jackson told a Chicago radio station Tuesday that Miami's struggles could lead to Heat President Pat Riley taking over on the sideline, saying it "could be the Van Gundy thing all over again."
Van Gundy resigned as Heat coach 21 games into the 2005-06 season, citing personal and family reasons. Riley took over, leading the Heat to their first championship.
Spoelstra was an assistant on Van Gundy's staff in Miami and the two remain friends.
Updated November 24, 2010
