The Golden State Warriors and the Detroit Pistons are both reportedly vying for former Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy. Yahoo Sports reports Van Gundy is leaning toward accepting the head coaching job of the Pistons, who reportedly offered him more power within the organization.
After TNT broadcaster Steve Kerr seemingly became a lock to accept the New York Knicks' coaching job, the Warriors focused their attention on Van Gundy. Now Golden State may need to look for a third choice.
"The Detroit Pistons are progressing toward a deal with Stan Van Gundy that could make him their coach and president of basketball operations, according to sources with knowledge of the talks," Marc Stein of ESPN wrote on Tuesday. "Sources told ESPN.com that Van Gundy is leaning toward accepting Detroit's aggressive pitch, despite strong interest from the Golden State Warriors regarding their coaching job."
Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed Van Gundy is leaning toward accepting the Pistons' offer. Wojnarowski also reported Van Gundy, if he takes the job in Detroit, is considering bringing former Magic general manager Otis Smith aboard.
"If a deal's reached in Detroit to make Stan Van Gundy president/coach, he's looking closely at hiring Otis Smith as GM, sources tell Yahoo," Wojnarowski tweeted on Tuesday. "Otis Smith was Van Gundy's GM with Magic, and Van Gundy never forgot how Smith stood with him until the end there."
The Van Gundy-Pistons development came hours after a report indicated Van Gundy and Golden State were progressing with their talks.
"Talks intensifying between Warriors and Stan Van Gundy, per sources," Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated tweeted on Tuesday. "Van Gundy now Golden State's clear top choice. Moving towards a deal."
Van Gundy spoke last week with the Orlando Sentinel and said he would be willing to consider returning to the NBA if the right offer came along.
He hasn't coached since the 2011-12 season.
