In what could be seen as a promising sign in their discussions, Wednesday’s interview between the Houston Rockets and veteran NBA head coach Jeff Van Gundy will reportedly extend into Thursday.
“Van Gundy met with Rockets ownership and management today on the franchise’s coaching job, and conversations with the team will continue on Thursday,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski wrote late Wednesday.
While Mike D’Antoni informed Houston on Sept. 13 that he would not be returning as head coach, the Rockets were not able to meet with Van Gundy in person until this week. The 58-year-old was stuck at the NBA “bubble” in Florida, where he was broadcasting playoff games for ABC.
Jeff Van Gundy met with Houston Rockets ownership and management today on the franchise's coaching job and conversations with the team will continue on Thursday, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 15, 2020
Van Gundy hasn’t coached in the NBA since his previous stint leading the Rockets from 2003-04 through 2006-07. He has, however, worked as a coach for USA Basketball since 2017.
Known best for his emphasis on defense and toughness, “JVG” has a career coaching record of 430-318 (.575) over parts of 11 seasons as head coach in New York and Houston. Van Gundy is 44-44 (.500) in the playoffs, including a trip to the 1999 NBA Finals with the Knicks.
While the Los Angeles Clippers are also said to be interested in Van Gundy, he reportedly prefers his adopted hometown of Houston. There’s still no definitive timetable for a decision to be made by the Rockets, but talks clearly seem to be progressing this week at a rapid pace.
Besides Van Gundy, the other top candidates are believed to include recent Brooklyn head coach Kenny Atkinson; former Cleveland head coach Ty Lue; and four assistants: Dallas’ Stephen Silas, Denver’s Wes Unseld Jr., Minnesota’s David Vanterpool; and Houston’s John Lucas.
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