http://www.nba.com/features/coach_070411.html <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Van Gundy has steered the Rockets to the fourth-best record in the West with Yao Ming out for 33 games and Tracy McGrady out for 11 games with injuries. Houston fans expected results this season after an underwhelming 2005-06 campaign and Van Gundy delivered, even with the Bonzi Wells situation hanging over the team. JVG successfully integrated free agent Shane Battier into the mix and had the foresight to rely heavily on unheralded second-year forward Chuck Hayes. Van Gundy got his team to beat the teams they were supposed to beat for the most part and to perform consistently on the road -- their 24 road wins are fifth most in the league. </div> Personally, I dont think JVG is a great coach. Hes an OK coach but certainly not a great one. Just because we did well when Yao was out, it doesnt mean it was all JVG. We did well because guys stepped up. Guys like Juwan Howard and Deke played well in this time.
Yeah I was really surprised when I seen he was first. It'd be great for him if he wins, and you have to remember there were lots of games we played without Yao or Tracy. Right that guys like Deke and Juwan stepped up, but you have to give JVG some credit. His defensive strategy has really worked this year. GO JVG!!!
How is he leading the coach of the year award? He isn't. That article was just one guy's OPINION. Nothing more.
I think it's unlikely JVG wins it. He'll be one of the candidates, but I think Sloan, Johnson, and Mitchell are the top 3 candidates.
