One of the most experienced and successful head coaches available is no longer on the market, but it wasn’t one of the popular jobs that lured him away.
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ESPN’s Marc Stein reports that the Detroit Pistons and Stan Van Gundy have reached a deal to become head coach and President of Basketball Operations:
ESPN sources say Pistons & Stan Van Gundy have reached agreement in principle to make SVG their new coach/president of basketball ops
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 14, 2014
Stein also reports that the deal is for five years for an estimated $35 million.
Van Gundy was one of the most popular names in coaching circles and had been linked to both the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. Instead, he will take control of a Pistons team with an elite young big man in Andre Drummond and a solid young core.
The Warriors had really begun to focus on Van Gundy after it became apparent that Steve Kerr was leaning towards taking the New York Knicks head coaching position.
With Van Gundy and presumably Kerr now off the market, the Lakers will have to focus their sights elsewhere. There are still a number of solid coaches to be had including George Karl, Lionel Hollins, and Kevin Ollie.
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The Lakers have said that they will take their time in naming a new coach. With a high draft pick, a big chunk of cap space, and the history of the Lakers franchise on their side, the Lakers job remains one of the premier openings in the NBA.
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