Jeff Van Gundy and the Celtics’ brass mutually agreed it would be better for him to become the lead assistant with the Clippers rather than taking a similar job with Boston, according to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe.
Van Gundy was a candidate to replace former associate head coach Charles Lee, who is leaving to coach the Hornets. But the Celtics were somewhat uneasy about the prospect of Van Gundy, a senior consultant for the organization, leapfrogging members of the coaching staff and getting the job. The Celtics are expected to hire Lee’s replacement from an in-house candidate, Himmelsbach adds.
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- Jalen Brunson is eligible for an extension this summer for a max of four years and $156MM. If he waits until next summer, Brunson would be eligible for a five-year, $270MM contract. Yet Ian Begley of SNY TV believes Brunson will be willing to listen to an extension offer from the Knicks this summer, which would give the front office more cap flexibility in future seasons.
- Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein will get a big raise in free agency, but how much is he worth in the open market? The Athletic’s Fred Katz polled 16 front-office officials, with their answers ranging from $15MM to $22.5MM per season. The Knicks, who hold his Early Bird rights, can offer a maximum of four years and $72.5MM.
- James Harden ripped Sixers top executive Daryl Morey last offseason, calling him a “liar” among other things, until he was traded to the Clippers. Could Harden’s contentious relationship with his former boss influence teammate Paul George‘s decision whether to stay put or sign with the Sixers? Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer explores that topic.
- The Raptors have picks No. 19 and 31 in this year’s draft. The Athletic’s Eric Koreen looks at eight wings who might make sense in that draft range, including Colorado’s Tristan da Silva and Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman.
Heard Jaylen Brown compliment ‘DJ’ for his game plan after Game 5 & series win. Must be Assistant Coach DJ MacLeay. Thanks DJ! Go Celtics!
Highly unlikely
Clippers let George walk for nothing, then miss the playoffs
If George stays, It’s not Harden”s …
Would 76ers sign Hartenstein?
He’s not taking a backup role behind Embiid, someone will offer him a starting role.
Also, how much would you pay a backup 5 when you already have embiid?
The Sixers do need a competent backup given that Embiid is going to miss 15+ games a season. But they have options there. Hartenstein would be the most overqualified backup short of Naz Reid.
I def take Reid, Onyeka, Portis, Drummond, Rob Williams & Kessler over Hartenstein & guys like Mo Wagner, Nick Richards & Steven Adams would be right on his same level.
I don’t get why there is such a love fest over Hartenstein either but he is better or more effective than everyone on that list except Reid and Portis because of their shooting. His equals are probably Onyeka and Robert Williams, but most likely edges out both because he’s been healthier, is better offensively and demonstrated he can play longer minutes than both and still be effective. He is by far the best passer of everyone you named.
“He’s not taking a backup role behind Embiid, someone will offer him a starting role.”
The number of contending teams willing to give iHart a starting role is pretty small. Plus, with Embiid’s extensive injury history, he would start plenty. I don’t think he’ll sign there but he could do a lot worse than backing up Embiid.
I think the Clippers do re-up PG13, I think being middle of the pack competitive isn’t an option for them. They don’t have a way to improve dramatically via the draft. Same cast returns. Deadline deal in their future.
IHart isn’t going anywhere. Money not an issue in NY. He’ll get his. He knows he’s part of some thing big in NY. It’s been a long time. Since Knicks have been a true contender. Winning in NY now will bring plenty of riches. It’s worth it to stay. Only way he leaves. Is if OKC offers 25 mill or more. He can win there too. Just don’t see it happening.
Still believe Knicks will move Mitch. Can’t keep both now. Knicks draft a Center it will be telling.