5 reasons Jeff Van Gundy isn’t a perfect fit for Houston Rockets
By John Buhler
3. A strong relationship with owner Leslie Alexander.
Besides being already leaving a strong footprint in the NBA today with many of his protegés getting head coaching gigs (Tom Thibodeau, Doc Rivers, Steve Clifford, Monty Williams, etc.), one reason that Van Gundy is a finalist for the Rockets’ job is that he supposedly has a strong relationship with owner Leslie Alexander.
Alexander bought the Rockets back in 1993 and almost immediately won NBA Finals in 1994 and 1995. He has made Houston a respectable NBA franchise for over 20 years, as the Rockets are usually strong and rarely bad.
However, is it wise for Alexander and the Rockets organization to hire a the same man he once fired nearly a decade ago? Time heals all wounds, but by bringing back Van Gundy might signal that his allegiances are strongest to Alexander and not Morey or any player on the Rockets’ roster.
For a team that clearly needs counseling sessions with a therapist, it just seems like passive aggression will begin festering as soon as Van Gundy is hired. Alexander may trust him, but can we say the same for Morey and the 15-man roster? It might be best for the Rockets to bring in somebody that has no connection to the Rockets to give this coaching hire an honest chance.
Next: 2. Won't gel with James Harden.