ESPN: Van Gundy, Rockets working on finalizing deal

http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0609/1565431.html

Monday, June 9

Van Gundy, Rockets working on finalizing deal

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HOUSTON -- Barring contract negotiations falling through, Jeff Van Gundy will be the new coach of the Houston Rockets.

Van Gundy on Monday informed Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson that he would accept the franchise's offer to be their coach and instructed his agent, Jim Ornstein, to finalize a contract.

The former Knicks coach, 41, spent two days in Houston last week meeting with Rockets officials and looking at schools and houses with his wife. But he left town without accepting the Rockets' offer, which was believed to be for $4 million to $5 million annually for at least four years.

"It was very nice. Houston is a beautiful city and the Rockets are a great organization. I had a great time," Van Gundy said.

The deal to hire Van Gundy, the former New York Knicks coach, also will depend on whether the Rockets can agree to give the Knicks some form of compensation for hiring him. Van Gundy is still under contract with New York through July 31.

Van Gundy was offered a five-year deal worth between $25 million and $35 million by the Washington Wizards to be their next coach. According to ESPN sources, Van Gundy would not have the general manager's title in Washington, but would have significant say in personnel.

The Wizards have not confirmed that an offer has been made.

Van Gundy has been owner Les Alexander's top choice to replace Rudy Tomjanovich, the longtime Rockets coach who stepped down on May 23.

The Rockets had told their other primary candidate, Mike Dunleavy, that they will not make any other moves with potential candidates until Van Gundy makes his decision.

Van Gundy had a 248-172 record as Knicks coach, including a 37-32 mark in the postseason. He guided the Knicks to the 1999 NBA Finals, which New York lost to the Spurs in five games.

He was a Knicks assistant from the 1989-90 season until he was promoted to replace Don Nelson late in the 1995-96 season. Van Gundy was on Pat Riley's staff in the 1994 Finals when the Rockets defeated the Knicks in seven games for Houston's first NBA championship.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Sorry if this has already been posted.

 

Botox (sp?) works wonders Jeff. Welcome to H-town!!!

 

"This is concrete..... get used to its beauty."

"Come back in mid August when its 98 degrees and 100% humidity." (At least he will only be here in the winter )

"These are Texas-sized mosquitoes....."