http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/topstory/1922492 Sources: Rockets, Tomjanovich negotiating end of his coaching tenure By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle Rockets owner Leslie Alexander and coach Rudy Tomjanovich have begun talks designed to end the most successful coaching tenure in Rockets team history, sources said today. Tomjanovich, who has been with the Rockets for more than 30 years, took a medical leave of absence at the end of last season, the fourth consecutive season in which the Rockets failed to reach the playoffs, to treat bladder cancer. Reached earlier this week, Alexander declined to comment. Reached Friday, Tomjanovich said, "I can't comment on that. I'm sorry. I just can't talk about that right now." Tomjanovich however, did say there has been no change in his treatments or condition. Tomjanovich completed his scheduled treatments last Thursday and the biopsy is scheduled for next month. The Rockets finished the season 43-39, the second best record ever to not make the playoffs since the format was expanded to 16 teams.
Ive been scoping the following sites and haven't heard anything: www.khou.com www.abc13.com www.ktrh.com www.sportsradio610.com www.click2houston.com Of course, Fox 26' doesnt even have a website really and that would probably be the best place to get information from. I am also watching ESPNnews right now and they have not said anything.
best wishes to rudy and to the rockets. hopefully both will prosper from this severance. ...on to the future.
I pity the people that don't go to the front page before they come to the BBS. The only two names I've been hearing right now are Van Gundy and Brown. I believed Wednesday night it was Van Gundy's job, but heard more about Brown yesterday.
Sometimes you don't appreciate what you have until it is gone...if the Rockets don't make a blockbuster hire (i.e., Larry Brown), I think we'll be reading lots of posts to that effect next season. Van Gundy himself even made reference to the fact that Rudy is a championship coach and championship coaches are extremely hard to find. Best of luck Rudy & get well!!!
Hope health prevails! Dear Jeff, I know you're consodering the Cleveland job, and it probably seems more appealing now that you have Lebron, but I implore you to consider the Rox instead. We have all (or at least most) of the pieces to a championship in place, whereas Lebron could become the next darius miles. I mean damn, if you could instill some serious discipline in this team, and force these guys to play unselfishly, we would be awesome...even in the West. BRING ON VAN GUNDY!!!
We're gonna miss you Rudy! Thanks for 2 of the greatest championships the Rockets had and best of luck with you. Hope you get better soon.
If this was gonna happen, Les couldn't wait any longer. Van Gundy's already talked to Cleveland and the fact that they landed LeBron James is only gonna make that job even more enticing. Not to mention Larry Brown's reportedly been having doubts about his future in Philly after their loss to the Pistons.
I just hope and pray that it is basketball related and not health related. Rudy has done this francise alot of good, and now it is time for him to move on up and enjoy the rest of his life.
man.. this is so hard to believe.. rudy is finally stepping down.. and going to the front office.. its gonna take a year or suttin fo me to get used to a new face ordering the plays at the bench. ima miss rudy!
Wow!!! One of the main reasosn why I became a super die-hard Rockets fan was Rudy T. He always came off as a classic guy and demanded respect from his peers and players. Loved him, but I guess after a disappointing season(s) something had to change. As someone else pointed out, I do hope it is for basketball reasons and nothing to do with any sudden health change. I also do wish to see him as a Rocket in some capacity. Best of luck Rudy T. Bring in Van Gundy? Seems like a logical choice and timing of it all after the lottery seems like it.
ESPN: http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0523/1558232.html HOUSTON -- Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich is negotiating a financial settlement for the final two years of his contract with owner Les Alexander and could step down as head coach, according to a broadcast report Friday. KRIV-TV reported that it is unclear if Tomjanovich, who has been with the franchise as a player, scout or coach for 33 years, would remain with Rockets in another capacity. The television station said unidentified sources have said the negotiations, which have continued throughout the week, have been amicable. Tomjanovich has $12 million left on his contract. "Unfortunately, we are not at liberty to comment,'' team spokesman Nelson Luis told The Associated Press Friday. "I can't confirm or deny anything at this point.'' Tomjanovich missed the final 17 games of last season after he was diagnosed with bladder cancer.
Well, this is very interesting. I sure hope they treat Rudy right. I think they will. Obviously, the Rockets are going to want Van Gundy over LB. LB is just too volatile and old. Great coach, but he really needs to retire because of age and health just like Rudy. That being said, who is going to be responsible for Yao's continued development. Yeah, I know you guys don't think that the current administration develops players. But Rudy and CD made Hakeem into a championship center. They changed the way that Hakeem played in order for us to win a championship. And they have worked with all of our post men on post moves, the hook shot, etc. I can't see Jeff Van Gundy being able to do that. He is a defensive coach. I cringe at the thought of what our offense will look like with him running the team. But I know if he is the coach our defense will be tremendously improved.
God, if we could get Brown....Man, that would really be something. He is 10 times the coach Van Gundy is.
Clutch, I have changed by IE favorites to clutchcity.net/bbs.fcm to clutchcity.net.... BTW: wonder whether you've got my email asking for help...I'll really appreciate if you could answer those questions for me.
