http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/29/s...00&en=20452f16e1e2a358&ei=5062&partner=GOOGLE 76ers Can Talk to Van Gundy By THE NEW YORK TIMES The Knicks granted the Philadelphia 76ers permission Thursday to interview Jeff Van Gundy about their head coaching position. Van Gundy has already spoken to Cleveland and Houston about jobs, and he turned down an opportunity to be interviewed by New Orleans. Along with Larry Brown, who resigned Monday as the 76ers' coach, Van Gundy is believed to be a top candidate in Houston and Cleveland. Wherever Van Gundy ends up - if he leaves broadcasting and returns to coaching next season - he will be with a team that has more upside than the declining Knicks club he left in December 2001, when he resigned abruptly after nearly six seasons as head coach. Houston, where Mike Dunleavy is also a strong candidate, has the All-Stars Yao Ming and Steve Francis and a young and promising supporting cast. Cleveland, where Brown and Paul Silas are also being considered, has LeBron James, the high school prodigy who many believe will become a superstar, and several other talented young players. In Philadelphia, there is Allen Iverson, who has led the 76ers to the playoffs the last five years, including the N.B.A. finals in 2001. The 76ers are also believed to be interested in Silas, who was fired by New Orleans. The 76ers had interest in Maurice Cheeks, but Portland has him under contract for at least another year and intends to keep him. The Knicks have Van Gundy under contract until July 31, so they could receive compensation, most likely a draft pick, if Van Gundy signed with another team before then.