"The Knicks are not about to give Jeff Van Gundy away for nothing. Van Gundy's former employer wants compensation in the form of a draft pick or money if the coach ends up in either Houston or Washington, according to a league source. The Knicks, who own Van Gundy's rights until July 31, asked the Rockets for a second-round pick and a guarantee of at least two exhibition games that would bring Houston center Yao Ming to Madison Square Garden." NY Daily News "According to published reports, Van Gundy, who met with the Wizards last week, has been offered a four-year deal to coach the team that could pay him as much as $25 million. According to a source, the former coach of the New York Knicks has not been offered the job of president of basketball operations, which became open when the Wizards did not return Michael Jordan to his old job last month." Washington Times "The Washington Wizards could know by Monday if former New York Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy is interested in becoming their head coach and president of basketball operations. There have been reports that Washington offered Van Gundy $35 million over five years and partial ownership to hold the dual roles, but the Wizards would not confirm that any offer had been made." Washington Post "The Wizards contacted the representative for former Detroit coach Rick Carlisle and former Portland coach Mike Dunleavy last week about setting up talks this week for Washington's coaching vacancy but nothing has been set, apparently pending Van Gundy's decision. Van Gundy toured homes and schools while in Houston and began contract negotiations Saturday. Van Gundy told the Rockets that he would not be speaking with any other teams while he was negotiating with Houston, according to the Houston Chronicle. Sources said Van Gundy is very interested in the Rockets job but moving his family from New York to Houston is a concern." Washington Post
Possible PR benefit of a quick official signing (to counter the sting of gtting spurned by Larry Brown). At least the official appearance of being involved in pre-draft preparations, player workouts, possible trade discussions. Post draft activities with the team, including meetings with players, possible workouts, etc. But agreed, not much real harm in waiting until August 1...
Another team liek Washington, or New Orleans or Atlanta could swoop in with a monster offer. PR as mentioned, and also with Van Gundy as coach he can talk to some of the players NOW and tell them what they need to work on and what their roles could possibly be next year.
I say give them 3-4 exhibition games in the next three years and call it a deal. I see no reason to give them a draft pick, even if it is just a second rounder. B
That sounds good to me too B. 2-3 games would be enough. Yao Ming is money. But a second rounder won't be bad. We really don't need this year's 2nd rounder..unless we can get KENDRICK PERKINS.
Nowadays, a lot of good players are being pushed into the 2nd with the explosion of foreign players and underclassmen entering the draft. No way should the Rox give away that pick when they can just postpone official announcements for one more month.
Exactly! I think we could get something of value with our #2 pick. Maybe a Tito Maddox without the attitude problem. I mean how hard is it to find someone to replace Moochie? Granted, I'd rather have a free agent to replace Mooch, but monetary wise a second rounder may be our only realistic chance to do so. B
When does the free agency moratorium end? 7/31? 7/15? We definitely want him on board for the opening of FA season.
From most of the comments I have heard from either quotes of VG or quotes from others, he does not seem to be the type to go back on his word if they choose to wait til August to make it official? Why not wait til then, and screw what the Knicks want....
There is no reason that he could be here and working in an unofficial capacity and the date on the contract will be Aug.1st.2003. At that date it would become official. They can have their PR Show by making the announcement that he will be the Rockets Coach as of August the 1st.03.
How about this: What would be so bad about having no head coach or assistant coach (Boylen) leading into the draft (trades do happen), the early July Summer Leagues, and preparations for summer SnTs or free agents (starts July 15th). So, we don't sign a head coach just to prevent losing a 2nd rounder, resulting in the BBS getting all pissed that we have zero preparation with a new coach for July 15 trades.
