Trail Blazers Seek Permission to Interview Jeff Van Gundy
trail-blazers-seek-permission-to-interview-jeff-van-gundy
The Portland Trail Blazers have asked the Los Angeles Clippers for authorization to speak with assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy as they close in on hiring a new head coach, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Van Gundy, 64, has served as the Clippers’ lead assistant for the past two seasons. From 1995 to 2007 he guided the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, compiling a 430-318 regular-season record and taking the Knicks to the 1999 NBA Finals. Among active coaches, only Erik Spoelstra, Steve Kerr, Rick Carlisle, Mike Brown, and Tyronn Lue own more career playoff victories.
Long Broadcasting Stint
Before joining Tyronn Lue’s staff in Los Angeles, Van Gundy spent 16 years as an ESPN analyst, frequently working games alongside Mark Jackson, whom he previously coached in New York and Houston.
Portland’s Coaching Search
Tiago Splitter finished the season as Portland’s interim coach after Chauncey Billups was arrested in connection with a federal illegal-gambling investigation. New owner Tom Dundon is reportedly leaning toward a lower-cost hire. Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori is also believed to be in the mix.
Source: Hoops Rumors
