Pelicans interview Jeff Van Gundy

[Andrew]

Sources: Pelicans interview Jeff Van Gundy for coaching vacancy.

The New Orleans Pelicans’ coaching search is gathering momentum, a process that included a formal interview Tuesday with Jeff Van Gundy, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Van Gundy, one of the NBA’s top available coaches, and New Orleans officials met in the Bay Area to discuss the opening. The sides had spoken over the phone, but this was the first face-to-face meeting, league sources said.

For now, New Orleans officials and Van Gundy are beginning the process of getting to know each other. Van Gundy had traveled to the Bay Area for his role as a television analyst for the Western Conference finals.

Alvin Gentry is reportedly also still in the discussion.

I'd like to see JVG get another coaching gig, but I'd miss him on ESPN/ABC broadcasts. I like the tandem of Van Gundy and Mike Breen a lot more than the prospect of Breen and Mark Jackson.

[mp3]

Looks like the Pelicans new coach will be Alvin Gentry.

He will take the job once the finals are over.

[Andrew]

JVG mustn't have been too keen to leave ESPN/ABC. While I'm all for him getting another opportunity on the sidelines, he's one of my favourite commentators, so I'm glad to hear that he'll (presumably) be sticking around in that capacity.

Gentry's record isn't stellar, but then again, neither were a lot of the rosters he's had to work with. He's inheriting a pretty decent one in New Orleans, though. He and the Pelicans must have made an impression on one another during the first round.

[[Q]]

JVG has a REALLY cushy job with ESPN and he gets paid a lot of money to do it. It's gotta be a crazy once in a lifetime gig to get him to leave

[shadowgrin]

Good that Jeff Van Gundy won't be coaching the Pelicans.
I don't want the development of young players in that team being wasted if JVG is coach.

[Andrew]

That's a thing JVG did?

[mp3]

JVG was a great coach!

Defence first, loved working with talented big men (Ewing and Yao) and I think he would of being great for Anthony Davis.

[shadowgrin]

Other than Yao, name a young player that developed well under Jeff and still did well outside of Jeff's system.

Here's a start, Camby.

[mp3]

Steve Francis?

[benji]

Francis had the worst year of his career up to that point during his one season under JVG and within two years had his career banished to the Knicks.