Should the Rockets really be going all in on Jeff Van Gundy?

With recent reports suggesting that Jeff Van Gundy is the leading candidate for the Houston Rockets coaching vacancy, would Van Gundy make for the best hire for the Rockets?

The Houston Rockets are looking for a new coach to steer the ship, as Mike D’Antoni surprisingly decided to part ways with the franchise after the Western Conference Semifinals. The Rockets’ search has yielded a wide net, as they’ve been connected to a number of targets, including Doc Rivers, Tyronn Lue, Stephen Silas, Sam Cassell, David Vanterpool, Chris Finch, and former Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy.

With Rivers now off the market, after taking the Philadelphia 76ers job, and Lue being courted for both the New Orleans Pelicans and LA Clippers vacancies, the Rockets’ list of former head coaches could narrow down to just Van Gundy, who is rumored to be the frontrunner for the job. But should the Rockets want him?

First off, JVG coached the Rockets before, and the results weren’t bad, as he helped end the Rockets’ four-year postseason drought. JVG amassed a 182-146 record during his stint as the Rockets’ head coach, and lifted the Rockets into the postseason in three of his four years with the franchise, although each appearance culminated in a first round exit.

But it’s not that simple, as Van Gundy deserves credit for steering the ship in spite of the repeated injuries to Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. But Van Gundy has been out of coaching on the NBA scene since 2007, and the question has to be asked regarding whether the game has passed him by.

But there are also different circumstances surrounding the Houston Rockets, that could make life more difficult for Van Gundy.

Next: Obstacles for JVG