BOSTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The Boston Celtics are reportedly considering moving Jeff Van Gundy from his senior consultant role to one courtside, but they may not be alone in a desire for Van Gundy’s services.
While the Celtics are exploring making Van Gundy an assistant coach, the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly interested in doing the same, according to NBA reporter Marc Stein, via Substack.
Stein reported Friday that the Clippers have a “strong interest” in Van Gundy as an assistant coach, and that L.A. has “a strong chance at succeeding in that pursuit after the NBA Finals are complete.”
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue is already very familiar with Van Gundy, having been coached by Van Gundy on the Houston Rockets in 2004. The two were also together on the Team USA staff at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The Celtics are likely eager to keep Van Gundy on board. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla has sung the praises of Van Gundy’s work using a “non-biased perspective” to help the organization.
Additionally, the Celtics already know they’ll lose top assistant Charles Lee, who accepted the head coaching position with the Charlotte Hornets, and could lose veteran assistant Sam Cassell, who has been interviewed for multiple head coaching openings.
The Celtics can claim a record 18th NBA title if they win Friday night’s Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks.
Van Gundy, 62, compiled a 430-318 record as head coach of the New York Knicks and the Rockets.
–Field Level Media