The below is now on the Rockets.com. Rockets Closing In On Van Gundy? by Trevor Mitchell, rockets.com June 5, 2003 - The Houston Rockets’ search for a new coach has come down to a two-man race, with one candidate beginning to emerge as the favorite. Ever since the Rockets missed out on the Larry Brown sweepstakes when the former Sixers coach jumped all over the Detroit Pistons' sudden vacancy, Rockets owner Les Alexander and general manager Carroll Dawson have had their eyes focused on Jeff Van Gundy or Mike Dunleavy. When ousted New Orleans Hornets coach Paul Silas called the Rockets’ position the “premier job” but opted for a sure deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, both Van Gundy and Dunleavy became the two frontrunners for the Rockets’ coaching vacancy. As the NBA’s coaching carousel continues to turn every day, Van Gundy recently accepted an invitation to visit Houston on Thursday and Friday. Van Gundy met with Alexander and Dawson in Dallas on May 26 for his first official interview. Besides looking at houses and schools, and meeting with the Rockets brass, Van Gundy may very well leave Houston with an offer. There have been rumors floating around that Van Gundy’s wife was out looking at homes in Houston this past weekend. On the other hand, Dunleavy, who was strongly considered for the Rockets position due to his former days as a Rockets player, seems to be headed to the Atlanta Hawks. Dunleavy’s up-tempo style of offense has always been a joy to watch and I think he would have been a good fit in Houston. His coaching style makes him a better fit for a Western Conference team. When Dunleavy went over to Milwaukee in the East he struggled greatly. The Rockets have a group of talented offensive players and Dunleavy’s basketball mind would definitely have a few schemes to get the Rockets to move the ball around more. While Dunleavy remains the dark horse candidate, the Rockets have indicated they will not interview any further candidates. Therefore, if things go well Thursday with Van Gundy, expect him to be Rudy Tomjanovich’s replacement as Rockets head man next season. It is difficult for some to erase the memory of Van Gundy racing on the court and grabbing Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning’s leg when Mourning and former Knicks forward Larry Johnson squared off during an Eastern Conference playoff game a few years ago. If nothing else, that incident shows Van Gundy's undying loyalty and willingness to stand up for his players, which instantly commands respect in any locker room. His 248-172 record over seven seasons in New York shows that he does indeed know how to coach. If Van Gundy finds his way to Houston it will be interesting to see how his coaching style fits in with the second youngest team in the league. Van Gundy is more of an Eastern Conference coach, placing emphasis on defense and allowing no easy baskets. The Rockets have an average defense and definitely could use a little more tenacity defending the great teams in the West, but Houston’s problem this past season was more about offense than anything else. Steve Francis, Yao Ming and Cuttino Mobley all need to touch the basketball, but the key lies in their patience and getting the ball in the best spot to take advantage of their abilities. Van Gundy coached in the brutal Eastern Conference where 90 points is like 120 in the West. Van Gundy’s Knicks thrived on a bruising power game that most often wasn't pretty but got results. If this style becomes the new brand of basketball in Houston will Rockets fans be excited? Probably so if Van Gundy can bring victories. The San Antonio Spurs play an ugly style of basketball, but that has propelled them to the brink of an NBA title. Remember the old cliché - winning cures everything. While Brown would have been an X’s and O’s-type coach that demanded respect, and players would have given their all for Silas every night, it is more of a mystery how Rockets players will respond to Van Gundy. Will Francis be OK with having to run more halfcourt offense instead of using his great athletic ability? Will Mobley be pulled for taking one too many three-pointers? Will Yao be yelled at for not being tough enough in the post? All of these things remain to be seen, but Houston seems to have found its guy. There is almost certain to be a Jeff Van Gundy sighting in Houston, and although he may or may not have been the first choice, hopefully he’ll end up being the right one.
