4:58pm: Van Gundy has officially joined Lue’s staff, according to an announcement from the team’s PR department.
6:24am: Jeff Van Gundy and the Clippers have agreed to a deal that will make him the lead assistant on head coach Tyronn Lue‘s staff, sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Van Gundy’s last role as an assistant coach came from 1989-96 with the Knicks. He was promoted to the head coaching position in 1996 and led the team to a 248-172 (.590) regular season record over five full seasons and parts of two more, winning eight playoff series during that time and making the NBA Finals in 1999.
He later spent four years coaching the Rockets from 2003-07, compiling a 182-146 (.555) regular season record and earning three playoff berths, though Houston didn’t win a postseason series under Van Gundy.
A longtime broadcaster for ESPN following his coaching career, Van Gundy was let go by the network in 2023 and joined the Celtics as a senior consultant. He recently lauded the franchise for throwing him “a lifeline” following a tumultuous period in his personal life and enjoyed a memorable year in Boston, capped by the franchise’s 18th championship.
There was some speculation that Van Gundy could move to the sidelines for the Celtics next season as a member of Joe Mazzulla‘s staff, but a more recent report cited a role with the Clippers as a growing possibility. Head of basketball operations Lawrence Frank has reportedly long been an admirer of Van Gundy, and the team had a hole to fill on Lue’s staff after veteran assistant Dan Craig departed for a job with the Bulls.
Van Gundy’s relationship with Lue was also a factor in Los Angeles’ ability to hire him, Wojnarowski notes. The two coaches have worked together with Team USA.
Good for Lue. JVG can help Clippers. But you have to wonder. Why he’s gone. I thought everything was hunky dory in Boston. Seems sudden ……
Probably money. Ballmer is never shy about paying out. Contract details could give us a clearer picture.
Clippers have 3 options
1. Let Paul George walk for nothing and fully rebuild. (most posters believe this).
Without George, Clippers have no chance to make playoffs, so go for rebuilding
2. Sign and trade George and get a current all-star back
3. Keep George
It is very clear that they have decided to keep George?
Because he wants to coach more than he wants to be in a front office. It has obviously been a done deal and they just waited for the playoffs to end for the announcement.
Why would you leave the champs for the chumps?
Lead Assistant…. That opens opportnity to be head coach again.
Pretty sure his resume precludes him to be a HC at any time teams wise up. Much rather hire him that JJ Reddick.
I like Van Gundy but his resume isn’t all that. It’s been 17 years and the game has changed. It’s not like he’s a legendary coach that won multiple championships.
Then why do the Clips want him as a lead assistant coach.
ESPN: “Van Gundy is considered one of the finest minds in basketball and had been pursued for years to return to coaching on a full-time basis”
“During his time on television, Van Gundy turned down head-coaching opportunities in the NBA and college”
Mark Jackson needs to be an assistant coach also if he wants to be a head coach again. It’s a small sacrifice if he wants to make $10m per.
Clippers are weird to me. That owner is spending. Unfortunately it’s just not paying off. Jeff is a just a good addition. They’ll be a better D team. Have to make stops in playoffs.
That’s the last place I expected JVG to go. Did the Lakers have zero interest in making him head coach?
JVG’s just about a good assistant coach to have on that bench ……. just hope they get the best orthopedic doctor for Kawhi and PG’s knees, a psychiatrist for Harden’s yips.