The likely departure of Dave Joerger to the Minnesota Timberwolves seems to have left the Memphis Grizzlies scouring the coaching market for a potential replacement. This is where veteran coach and current NBA broadaster Jeff Van Gundy comes into play.
According to a report by ESPN’s Marc Stein, Van Gundy tops the Grizzlies list of replacements for Joerger.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Grizzlies have serious interest in trying to convince Van Gundy to serve as coach and team president in a job structure modeled after the new dual role brother Stan Van Gundy has secured with the Detroit Pistons.
Van Gundy last coached in the NBA for the Houston Rockets in 2006-2007. Including his seven-year stint as the New York Knicks head man, Van Gundy has led his team to the playoffs in nine of his 11 seasons on the bench.
Joerger’s likely departure coupled with the exits of former CEO Jason Levien and assistant general manager Stu Lash indicates a major shake up for a Grizzlies franchise coming off a first-round playoff exit in their second season under new owner Robert Pera.
Photo: Kirby Lee, USA Today