Rockets fire Van Gundy as coach (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Ap84znxIyKo3ADqXCVnEtem8vLYF?slug=ap-rockets-vangundy&prov=ap&type=lgns)
May 18, 2007

HOUSTON (AP) -- Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy was fired Friday, less than two weeks after Houston made yet another first-round playoff exit.

The Rockets went 52-30 this season but lost to Utah in seven games, raising the possibility that Van Gundy was going to resign or be dismissed. This was the Rockets' third first-round loss in four seasons under Van Gundy.

Van Gundy had one nonguaranteed year left on his contract, meaning the team held the option to retain him.

The 45-year-old coach led the Rockets to a 182-146 record in four seasons. But Houston went 7-12 in three postseason appearances and more was expected from teams anchored by All-Stars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. McGrady dropped to 0-6 in playoff series when the Rockets lost to Utah.

Van Gundy was working in television when the Rockets hired him before the 2003-04 season. Before that, Van Gundy coached the New York Knicks for seven seasons, leading them to the NBA finals in 1999.

Adelman is in line to be hired as JVG's replacement per ESPN Radio.

Dan Patrick just said that he has a source that has told him that Houston's ownership wants to emulate Phoenix's style of play.

They still have Yao Ming, right?

Good luck with that.

They kind of need Steve Nash to do that.

Rafer Alston... LOL

I can understand why the owners might not be happy, but come on man. You put yourself in that position.

Maybe the GM should have thought of making one worthwhile pick since Yao. Maybe he should have thought about not trading two first rounders and Jason Collins for Eddie Griffen (one was RJ btw). He could have had RJ and Tony Parker out of that draft and still had Collins to play next to Yao.

I like Van Gundy, hopefully he can find a job elsewhere and have success.

Adelman hired.

http://www.nba.com/news/410357.html

I like Adelman better than Van Gundy. He can coach on both sides of the ball where as Van Gundy destroys his own offense to make his defense.