With a number of Boston Celtics alumni in the hunt for or recently successful in acquiring head coaching positions around the NBA, it was bound to become fodder for discussion among some of the other candidates in the mix.
One such example is the conversation recently had with Houston Rockets head coaching candidate Jeff Van Gundy, who had some kind words to say about former Celtics and recent Philadelphia 76ers coaching hire Doc Rivers, as well as fellow Boston alumni Sam Cassell.
Speaking on the “Heavy Live With Scoop B” show with Heavy.com’s Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Van Gundy shared his feelings about Rivers’ tenure in Los Angeles with the Clippers as well as his future with the Sixers.
“I thought that Doc Rivers did a tremendous job there,” said Van Gundy of his time with the Clippers. “They obviously had an unfortunate series loss to Denver after being up 3-1.”
“But it did not shock me at all that he became the number No. 1 candidate for many teams and he decided on Philadelphia and they have a terrific team built around two stars that have to find ways to continue to co-exist and enhance each other’s skills, and I think Doc is a tremendous coach and leader and I think he’ll do a very good job there.”
How does he feel about Rivers’ assistant in L.A., Sam Cassell — currently a fellow applicant for the Rockets’ coaching vacancy?
Woj: Ex-Boston coach Doc Rivers to become next head coach of Sixers https://t.co/jdvnfyRnUP
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 1, 2020
“I think it’s hard to judge assistant coaches unless you work with them,” offered Van Gundy.
“I’ve never worked with Sam; I love Sam’s personality and his engaging nature. He’s been around terrific coaches when he played and he’s learned under Doc Rivers and I think that he’s just… I don’t think that you could be more ready for an opportunity, I’m just not the guy to talk to about the strengths and weaknesses as an assistant coach because we’ve never worked together.”
But from afar, I’m very impressed,” he added.
Considering the dynamics of the situation both coaches are in as they are seeking the same job, a very diplomatic and generous answer.
It’ll be curious to see where the remaining seats on the NBA coaching carousel stop, but one has to think Van Gundy lands one of them somewhere, if not Houston.
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