permission to talk to van gundy

Knicks give Rockets OK to talk to Van Gundy

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By Marc Stein
ESPN.com


DALLAS -- Houston Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said the club has secured permission from the New York Knicks to interview Jeff Van Gundy for its coaching vacancy.

Rockets lifer Rudy Tomjanovich resigned Friday, citing health reasons, and speculation immediately focused on Van Gundy as a leading candidate to replace him.

Dawson, in attendance at Sunday's Game 4 of the Western Conference finals along with Rockets owner Les Alexander, said at halftime that he hasn't yet spoken to Van Gundy, who worked the game for TNT as a courtside analyst. Van Gundy is under contract with the Knicks through July 31.

Mike Dunleavy, another prospective Rockets candidate, was also at American Airlines Center as a spectator. Considered a strong possibility to coach in Atlanta or with the L.A. Clippers next season -- and still potentially a candidate in Cleveland if the Cavaliers can't land Van Gundy or Paul Silas -- Dunleavy lives in nearby Fort Worth.

Dawson, however, said he and Alexander were just starting to formulate their "game plan" with respect to an interview timetable.

"It's more important to hire the right person," Dawson said, "than to hurry."

Larry Brown is another veteran coach who is known to intrigue Alexander, and there's a chance Brown could become an available coach this week. Brown is scheduled to meet with 76ers chairman Ed Snider later this week to clarify his future with the club, after Brown and Snider both hinted recently that it might be time for a coaching change after Brown's six seasons in Philadelphia -- the longest tenure of his career.

Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. To e-mail him, click here. Also, send Stein a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.



Its obvious why they're in Dallas at the game..

 

"Dawson, in attendance at Sunday's Game 4 of the Western Conference finals along with Rockets owner Les Alexander, said at halftime that he hasn't yet spoken to Van Gundy, who worked the game for TNT as a courtside analyst. Van Gundy is under contract with the Knicks through July 31."

Geez, they don't waste any time... Guess they may be at Game 5 in San Antonio also just to hang out.

 

That Dunleavy lives in Fort Worth makes it an easier move for him, won't have to deal with a guy wanting to stay in one part of the country that way... not a big consideration to be sure, but doesn't hurt

 

They better not waste any time. Even though we only have a second round pick, the draft is upcoming as are our summer league games. I'm sure they want someone in place as quickly as possible. We all should.

 

I would rather things stay quiet for awhile just out of respect for Rudy.. I cant get over seeing him kind of breakdown there for a moment. but I guess your right, with the draft, and summer league, and just that whole process a new coach will have to go through to get acquainted with assistants and the players and the new surroundings, and things like that, I guess there is very little time to waste.

 

If they wait, they run the risk of missing out on the guy they want.

 

its kinda funny though, the current knicks coachis Don Chaney, a former coach of the rockets. and if ever the deal is finalized, the new head coach of the rockets, Jeff Van Gundy, is the former coach of the new york knicks..

 

i doubt this, houston would be the number one target for all those available and interested, more likely a willing candidate would wait for the Rockets.

 

Yep. Hence Rudy's departure right after Van Gumby said at a TNT (or ESPN? or ABC?) game, "That report about me talking to Cleveland is behind the time, I already talked to them a week ago." (Message: If you want me let me know; call me, Les!)