The Mavericks “plan to gauge” the interest level of Jeff Van Gundy in joining the team’s sideline as an assistant coach, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
It was also reported that Jeff Hornacek is of interest to the team to work under head coach Jason Kidd.
Van Gundy, 61, has had a seat at ESPN’s broadcast table as an NBA analyst since his firing by the Rockets in 2007.
He coached for a total of 11 seasons in the league with the Knicks and Rockets, combining for a 430-318 record and led the Knicks to the NBA Finals in the 1998-1999 season.
Van Gundy briefly returned to coaching in 2017 as head of Team USA at the FIBA AmeriCup event and helped the U.S. qualify for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
As a result, he interviewed with the Rockets before the 2020-2021 season to make a comeback in the league, but Houston eventually selected Stephen Silas.
Being out of the league for over 10 years definitely brings it’s disadvantages, as the play in the league changes as well as player management.
However, both Kidd and Van Gundy could benefit from the pairing, as it could warrant a future head coaching gig for Van Gundy and experienced guidance for Kidd after a disappointing end to the season.
Dallas missed the playoffs by two games and sat its stars — Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, Josh Green and Christian Wood — and played Luka Doncic for a mere 13 minutes against the Bulls on April 7 in the second-to-last game of the season.
Chicago bested the Mavs 115-112, and Dallas finished 11th — one spot out of the play-in tournament.
The decision to do so was investigated by the league for intentional tanking. The loss helped the Mavericks keep their protected first-round draft pick over the Knicks because it fell our of top 10.
Regardless of who the Mavericks select to be alongside Kidd, it’s clear experience is a top priority for their 2023-2024 campaign.
