The Portland Trail Blazers coaching search may be narrowing a bit.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Blazers have requested permission from the Los Angeles Clippers to interview assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy for their head coaching vacancy.
Van Gundy has spent the past two seasons on Tyronn Lue’s staff with the Clippers after a long run at ESPN, where he became one of the most recognizable voices in basketball broadcasting.
Of course, longtime NBA fans remember him best from the sidelines.
Van Gundy coached the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets from 1995-2007, compiling a 430-318 record and guiding the Knicks to the NBA Finals in 1999. Only a handful of active coaches currently own more playoff wins.
Portland has been looking for direction after a chaotic season that included the arrest of former coach Chauncey Billups as part of a federal gambling investigation. Assistant Tiago Splitter finished the season as interim coach, though there has been increasing speculation that ownership wants a fresh start.
New owner Tom Dundon has also reportedly preferred a less expensive coaching route, making Van Gundy’s candidacy especially interesting given both his résumé and profile around the league.
Meanwhile, Micah Nori of the Minnesota Timberwolves continues to be mentioned as another serious candidate for the job.
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