Rockets play waiting game Van Gundy will take weekend to decide about coaching job By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle Jeff Van Gundy told Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson that he likely would not make a decision until today or Monday and was true to his word. But Dawson could not keep himself from waiting by the phone. He paced for a while, occupied himself with household chores, reminded himself of how well he felt his recruitment of Van Gundy to be the next Rockets coach had gone. But he could not relax until Rockets general counsel Michael Goldberg received word from Van Gundy's agent Jim Ornstein that Van Gundy would take the weekend as planned before calling with his decision. "I'm just waiting to see what he says, doing things around the house," Dawson said. "He said he would talk to me Sunday or Monday. It was sort of a normal day, the first one I've had in a while." He would have preferred an abnormal day, one that included his first coaching hire since he picked Van Chancellor to coach the Comets. But he and Goldberg said that not hearing from Van Gundy on Saturday did not change their confidence in landing him. Van Gundy has at least one option. He met with the Wizards on Wednesday, and there has been speculation throughout the NBA that the Wizards could put together a package worth $35 million over five years with a small percentage of the team. But the Rockets do not believe even that will cause Van Gundy to think twice. "If money was the issue, we would be talking about money," Goldberg said. "I asked if there was anything more C.D. or I could do, and they said absolutely not. He (Ornstein) said he just wanted to take the weekend to think about it." There is little concern that Van Gundy is not serious about the Rockets position or using it for leverage with the Wizards. It seems unlikely he and his wife had interviews at private elementary schools Friday because he likes the little desks. They also viewed homes with a broker in River Oaks, Tanglewood and West University. "I said we didn't want to pressure him, but if there was anything C.D. or I could answer, he should call, or if there was anything Carol (Goldberg) or Sharon (Dawson) could answer for Kim (Van Gundy), to please call," Goldberg said. "Les (Alexander, Rockets owner) did his job. Jeff really respects him. I don't think there are any issues about the job. I think it's if Jeff wants to come here. "I don't think the thing in Washington is what it's about. It's where do they want to live. His family is in the Northeast. Her family is in the Northeast. His agent told me he is not having any discussions with any other team this weekend. He just has to think about it. It might be (today), but we'll probably hear something Monday." But considering the pacing under way, Dawson better wear comfortable shoes.
Good to know that it's not about money (at least in the sense that he's trying to negotiate for more) and the Wizards are clearly second if a serious consideration at all. Hope the Van Gundys see the light and decide Houston is a good city to live in.
You know, I think Van Gundy is the best option we have available, and I think he's a very good coach. I think a guy who puts his family first has his priorities straight. But I'm beginning to think he might feel a little alien here. Don't get me wrong, Houston's the most friendly city I've ever been to and I am a native. I met Don Chaney at a party a house behind his in Kellywood, and spoke with Rudy twice at Griff's, and though I'm 41 now, I talked to those guys about stuff they did in their twenties when I was a kid. Even though Rudy hailed from Michigan, both of them were just so embedded in Houston and their surroundings, they were just guys and neither had any pretention of celebrity or unease. For some reason I'm beginning to think Van Gundy may not coach this season. The Wizards job is professional lunacy and ours has to be a little unsettling for a 5'8" bald guy coming from a New York culture. Some here have lamented the fact he is from New York and not even New Yorkers can stand the Knicks, but turning the equation around I can see why he'd be hesitant. Van Gundy was my third choice before Carlisle became available and probably would have slid to fourth. But I thought it was impressive that he brought up Rudy, and I thought it was ballsy as well as classy given the circumstances. So as a native Houstonian, I hope he takes a leap of faith here for himself and his family. By the way I loved the fact he took River Oaks, West U, Tanglewood tour. If he'd been shown Kellywood or Cinco Ranch, he might have felt brain cells dying on the trip down I-10. J Jeff, go with Tanglewood, honestly. Best buy and something that doesn't exist in New York City. Houston embraces our own, a Nigerian was easy and a New Yorker won't take that much more an effort.
whew.. those are good words.. i can relax for a lil bit.. man, i cant wait til sunday or monday for the announcement..
If the Monday deadline passes with no word, I'm officially going to take a 1 week hiatus from CC.net to clear my head. I can't take the photo of Van Gundy wearing that silly hat every time I open up my browser. This has to end!
I smirk everytime I see that front page photo. All I could think is how that man will lead us deep into the playoffs.
I seriously doubt this is an issue. I wouldn't expect anything less from someone that is serious about taking the job.
This is a VERY positive article towards getting Van Gundy. If Van Gundy's agent is saying that "money" is not a factor here (alluding to the Washington offer) then that is a good sign for us. That means the Rockets have done all THEY can do to get Van Gundy. They have not been "out bid" here. That means for Van Gundy that his only decisions now are "personal ones." I think it really comes down to him "moving" to Houston. The ONLY allure now for Washington (since money is reportedly not an issues) is the fact that it is closer to NY. But I think Van Gundy wants to coach badly and the fact the Rockets have a great team is something he will be wiling to move to Houston for. I think Van Gundy will be our next coach. The last two Chronicle articles over the last two days have been very posistive and they lead me to this conclusion. I would not be surprised if we hear something leak about Van Gundy being the coach late today or tonight. And have him in Houston on Monday or Tuesday for a press conference to "officially" announce it.
dang, its about time. I hope he agrees to be coach today. It would be a relief. If he says no.....damn, we are in trouble. Is Carlisle still available? last i heard he was interviewed by the Clips.
