Lol, it is Howard though (talking about the 30 y/o motivation comment). Just look at DeAndre last season, lolol. Yes/no/yes, then his Clipper buddies had to take over and basically sign the documents for him... Fortunately I don't see Harden doing that though, and if he stays hopefully less $ to get more help.
I have vivid memories in 2005 at a rockets playoff game vs mavs a bunch of us fans were on the escalator chanting. " JEFF VAN GUNDY"! It was awesome
That would be a sure thing, imo. We all remember how JVG made offensive plans for Yao Ming here and Patrick Ewing in New York. Howard is more athletic than Yao Ming and Patrick Ewing and could be more involved in the offense under JVG coaching. The last two coaches simply did not know how to use Howard properly.
Even if D'Antoni would consider an assistant job under JVG, I think most of the players would drop dead during the season. Thinking about the demands of a D'Antoni offense and its demands combined with JVG's demands on defense should put fear into players... especially the ones they coach. All that being said, I think D'Antoni was recently hired as an assistant head coach or something with the 76'ers unless he was recently released or something, so I would think the only way he's coming to Houston is if he gets a head coaching gig.
JVG has torn into Howard on a number of occasions on broadcasts for being aloof, lackadaisical, not being a part of the team, etc. There's also the stigma of Howard (allegedly) get his brother fired off the Magic. I remember him saying Kobe would have to give the ball up to Dwight more for that to combo to work since Dwight apparently needs touches to feel like he's part of something, so I'm guessing the same thing is/would be happening here with Harden. I'm not sure what a JVG/Howard combo would be like. It doesn't seem like it would work based on past history, but then Dwight seems to have given it a shot in terms of taking a backseat so far in Houston (TNT interview notwithstanding), so who knows.
I would hope JVG wouldn't have to deal with Howard if he decided to coach the Rockets. Dwight Howard opting in to his final year is one of the worst things that could realistically happen to the team.
He's not a distraction here and I recall him being at the top of his game. Truth be told, everyone in that organization was unhappy. You can't just put the blame on any one person. Orlando had plenty of time to put a decent team around Howard. He and everyone else was tired of waiting.
Back in 07' (can't remember exactly), when Stern fined JVG (I Think a lot of money) for his comments about officiating turning a blind eye to Yao getting fouled; I sent him $20 and thanked him for sticking up for the team. He wrote me back and returned the money saying that he got himself into this mess and it was his responsibility alone. I love that man. I love the no BS mentality, the accountability, the discipline. I love teams that play defense, and are tough, and have an edge, and will fight you. Bring back JVG!
Clutchfans should do one of those chain videos all of us doing a "JEFF VAN GUNDY" clap clap clap clap clap "JEFF VAN GUNDY". When the Rockets suck I always come back to clutchfans because the real fans are here.
The 15/16 season isn't technically over yet - so yeah, the way this season has gone...honestly nothing would surprise me anymore.
Maybe, too, the organization doesn't want Dwight's opt-out and JVG's announced hiring to look like any sort of cause and effect. Sure, Dwight's opting out, we all know it; and he'd definitely opt out if he knew JVG were on the way. But the choice has already been made. Still think it's gonna be JVG but I've been surprised before. (G.d. McHale.)
