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(Chron) Sources: Van Gundy starts contract talks with Rockets

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by ron413, Jun 9, 2003.

  1. ron413

    ron413 Contributing Member

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    June 9, 2003, 11:43AM

    Sources: Van Gundy starts contract talks with Rockets
    By JONATHAN FEIGEN
    Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

    The Rockets' choice has chosen the Rockets.

    Former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy today instructed his agent Jim Ornstein to begin serious contract negotiations designed to make him the next Rockets coach, two sources familiar with the negotiations said.

    The Rockets had told Van Gundy he was their pick to become their 10th coach, succeeding Rudy Tomjanovich who stepped down May 23. After a two-day visit to Houston to tour the Rockets' facilities and check out neighborhoods, homes and schools, and a weekend of deliberations about making the move, Van Gundy today took the "next step" necessary to become the Rockets' next coach.

    Van Gundy and Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson were not available for comment this morning.

    In addition to working out a contract agreement with Van Gundy, the Rockets would have to come up with compensation to the Knicks, likely a future draft pick. Van Gundy is under contract with the Knicks through July 31.

    Van Gundy met with Wizards officials on Wednesday amid widespread speculation around the NBA that he could receive a package worth a percentage of team ownership and $35 million over five years with the Wizards.

    Van Gundy, 41, was the first coach the Rockets interviewed before also considering Mike Dunleavy, Larry Brown and Paul Silas. Brown was hired by the Pistons last Monday, and Silas took over the Cavaliers on Tuesday of last week. Dunleavy is considered the favorite with the Hawks and Clippers and has been contacted by Wizards officials about the position there.

    Van Gundy had a 248-172 record as Knicks head coach, including a 37-32 mark in the postseason. He guided the Knicks to the 1999 NBA Finals, in which New York fell to the Spurs in five games.

    He was a Knicks assistant coach from the 1989-90 season until he was promoted to replace Don Nelson late in the 1995-96 season. He was on Pat Riley's staff in the 1994 Finals when the Rockets defeated the Knicks in seven games for Houston's first NBA championship.

    http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/1943194
     
  2. ron413

    ron413 Contributing Member

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    Update on rockets.com as of 2:35 pm:
    "Rockets GM Carroll Dawson will be issuing a statement on this situation this afternoon."
     
  3. SLA

    SLA Member

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    Who actually thought Van Gundy would go to the BULLETS?

    They suck! :D
     

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