I hate to start another thread on JVG and this maybe closed but it seems to me the issue of the firing comes down to do you believe JVG said he wanted time to make a decision, or Les is lying when he says that. So simply do you believe Gundy or the Rockets?
^ Yao said something in the last interview he had that they knew it was going to happen so assistant coach is spinning like a wheel.
While he's done some spinning too, I believe JVG's version is much closer to the truth than the Rockets. It seems like the Rockets are very anxious to put this matter behind them because they don't want any more light shed on it. Either way, it's time to move on but my opinion of Les is sharply diminished. He is a lying jerk that who will never come clean about this.
What Adelman said today in the press conference seemed to back up the Rockets' side of the story when he gave an account of the phone conversation he had with JVG before interviewing for the job. I think word symantics plays a big part in this whole fiasco.
I agree with apo, JVG was just not wanted back anymore for a number of reasons that I believe was 'hinted' at a few times in the Adelman conference earlier today. One reason I think has to do with management not being too happy with JVG not playing the young players/major offseason acquisitions; it was certainly weird to see Le$ sound so enthusiastic about Bonzi after what happened with him and JVG. It looks to me like the 'hurdle' to Bonzi playing a major role with this team has been removed and my impression is that Le$ is behind Bonzi re-joining the team. The other factor was probably not getting past the first round, which constitutes a 'failed season' in Le$' eyes. But in all honesty, I think management was just fed up with JVG's conservative coaching style and brand of basketball, and probably figured that if we're going to be first round fodder anyways, we might as well play a more 'exciting' brand of basketball, not to mention get a coach that will play the young guys and see what they can bring to the team. So yeah, I do think JVG is telling the truth when he says he was basically "fired" and that management was non-committal to him as a head coach, basically hinting that they don't want him back without actually saying it, hoping that JVG would make it easier on them and just leave. In retrospect, I bet you both sides have regrets: JVG for not accepting that contract extension earlier in the season AND management for even offering up that contract...boy did they dodge a major bullet there!
Obviously the Rockets orginization handled the situation very poorly. However, the fact is that JVG didn't deliver a single playoffs series win in four years as the head coach. Yes, we've had unexpected injuries and such, but after all he just didn't achieve results at his job. That is the same reason why most people get fired for--poor performance.
Tell me how poorly Assistant coach handled players on this team for years. Personal grudges and running FA's out of town. The Rockets sat quietly while they sent players packing out of Houston whithout saying he had any involvement in the processes,which he did. It's only fitting they send him packing without saying much of anything. You be careful how you treat people, because it could come back to bite you in the rear. Assistant coach just found that out.
Honestly - JVG should have never turned down the extension when he had the chance. He messed that up. This is his own creation.
