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Yesterday, ESPN reported that the Houston Rockets were really into Tyronn Lue after his interview for the team’s head coaching position, and now it seems they’ve moved their affections over to Jeff Van Gundy and may even actually be negotiating a contract.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski:
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
The fact that conversations are continuing into today likely means there’s a least some level of mutual interest, and if if a signing isn’t necessarily imminent, they are at least putting together a framework of a deal.
According to sources, there is at least one other candidate the Rockets are seriously considering, and most indications are that it is Lue.
Per Jonathan, at least one other candidate (besides JVG) is expected to have further talks.
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) October 15, 2020
However: "There has not yet been an indication that there is a firm list of finalists." https://t.co/oOw8mFUbp4
Van Gundy was coach of the Rockets from 2003-2007, racking up a 182-146 regular season record and making the playoffs in three of four seasons, though he never made it past the first round.
So what say you, guys? JVG is the more defensive-minded of the two, while Lue is more modern and probably more adaptable to the current small-ball philosophy. I’m not super enthused about either name, to be honest, though I also don’t think either one would be a disaster.
Stay tuned. It sounds like we may have a resolution soon.