obviously Les has already decided that he wants JVG instead of PJ so he offered this extension. Les has already been very supportive of JVG during "Gundy Gate" and this is just a further "extension" of that.
I get why, it is really pretty simple... After what has happened in the JVG Gate matter concerning refs, LEs heard a lot of talking heads asking for JVG to be fired and to to be replaced by Phil Jackson and others. Clearly, this was Les' way of coming out to show support for JVG as his coach AND, most importantly, to stop the speculation in the media surrounding JVG. I think this was a shrewd move by Les, and it was clearly calculated towards that end. I gotta say it is a good move though, because it concentrates our coaching staff on the job at hand, which is the draft, player evaluation, among other things. Les wanted to clear the air and show those talking media heads who is in charge of determining what coach he hires, so he seized the initiative to do so.
your schtick is getting old man. It's ok, Jeff is a good coach. You said 55 wins and second round. Damn, we got 51 and 1 game away from the second round. Did that make you happy? Did you scream in jubilation due to your stoic prediction that anything less was unacceptable? Would you have chosen another team to watch had your lofty goals been met? I too question wether JVG is the coach that will ultimately take us over the top to a championship, but the posters talking about needing stability in a coaching situation are correct. The last thing we need is a third coach in five years. Lastly, never forget this, JVG helped to rid us of the problem that is Steve Francis and rewarded us with the talent of Tracy McGrady. For that alone, I would give the man a contract extension.
I have to agree with Alexander about Van Gundy getting the most out of his players. This year's Rocket Team definitely overachieved this year.
While alot of posters have made some excellent speculative points as to why this move was made, I find myself wondering if this doesn't also have a little to do with Yao. Remember how disconcerted he was when Rudy left and many of his teammates were traded away? Well, they've got to sign Yao to an extension. Maybe they felt like they needed to show Yao that there is stability now. He can get used to the people around him being there.
I don't know about all the Phil Jackson stuff... Maybe Les just wanted to reward him for a great season? Maybe? The team hasn't said anything or acknowledged Phil Jackson and the rumors. That has all been created by the media.
Maybe it is just me in my rose colored glasses, but I think you are all missing THE point. At the beinning of the year there were two prevelant discusions on this board. JVG is in trouble if he does not achieve some target (50 wins and 2nd round were popular). The second topic was about this being Yao Mings team or TMacs team. I think the answer is this is Jeffs team. Make no mistake, the current Rocket team is made in Jeffs image. And if you don't buy in, you will be moved for someone who does. I think Les is completely committed to JVG, period. Jeff bring in your entire staff. Jeff wants to trade the teams top player, do it. Break up the clique, done. Trade the popular Jim Jackson, OK. Change how we play, go for it. Old player, young player whatever. I don't think JVGs position here has EVER been in question by anybody whose opinion matters. Les feels he made a great choice in hiring JVG as coach (I whole heartedly agree BTW) and now is taking advantage of the option to tie him up for one year longer.
The 1st point is right on and the right way to go. The 2nd point is interesting because it could touch on JVG getting an extra year at '05 value. WHEN PJ does sign (Sac?) he'll raise the bar for coaches by a couple million more per year. So, LA does the right thing and saves $$$ while at it.
