The Houston Rockets’ coaching search has lasted for a while now and there does not seem to be an imminent hire on the horizon. However, the team may have found a leading candidate to pursue for its vacancy. Ken Berger of CBS Sports reports that Jeff Van Gundy is currently “gaining traction” as the lead man in Houston’s search.
Van Gundy currently works as a color commentator on ESPN and ABC broadcasts and has been at that job for a very long time. He last coached in the NBA in Houston, where he led the Rockets to a 182-146 record from 2003 to 2007. It is unclear whether Van Gundy has an interest in returning to the sidelines but the fact that he is now the leading candidate in the Rockets’ search may imply that he is at least considering a move back to the coaching ranks.
Should Jeff Van Gundy decline whatever offer the Rockets are willing to give him, it appears that the Rockets may look for other experienced coaches to fill their vacancy. Recently let-go Indiana Pacers head coach and long-time San Antonio Spurs assistant Ettore Messina are both reportedly in the mix, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
An interesting subplot to all of the rumors circulating around the Rockets has been the mutual interest between the team and former Rockets player Kenny Smith. The current NBA on TNT analyst did interview for the job and while Feigen reports that he impressed Rockets management, it appears that he will no longer be in consideration for the position.
This continues to point at the fact that Houston is looking for an experienced coach which makes sense due to the makeup of the team. The Rockets need someone to manage chemistry issues in the locker room and get the best out of every player on the court. After an incredibly disappointing season, hiring the right coach is paramount for the Rockets’ future.
Whether Van Gundy is that person or not remains to be seen. At the very least, he brings plenty of experience and knowledge. Perhaps his criticisms of the team on air do more damage than good in the locker room, but he does seem like a person that players like and would respond to.
The biggest question of all is whether or not Jeff Van Gundy would even accept the position as it would mean leaving a great job he has held for a decade. He has been unwilling to do that in the past. But perhaps the job with the Rockets, in the city he lives in, is too good to pass.
