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Memphis Grizzlies: 5 Best Candidates to Replace Dave Joerger

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger during the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger during the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Broadcast analyst Jeff Van Gundy before a game between the Houston Rockets and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Broadcast analyst Jeff Van Gundy before a game between the Houston Rockets and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jeff Van Gundy

Jeff Van Gundy could easily rank higher on this list, but it must be acknowledged that he hasn’t been a head coach since 2007. His track record is as strong as any candidate’s possibly could be, but that piece of information cannot be overlooked.

If Van Gundy is willing to make a return after nearly a decade away from coaching, however, it’d behoove Memphis to grant him an interview.

When he was coaching, Van Gundy made the playoffs in nine of a possible 11 seasons. That includes an improbable NBA Finals appearance in 1999, and a stretch of five consecutive trips beyond the first round with the New York Knicks.

With the Houston Rockets, Van Gundy went 182-146, including two 50-win seasons and another with 45 victories.

Beyond the record is Van Gundy’s proven ability to motivate his players to work on defense. He routinely had his teams in the Top 10 in defensive efficiency, and proved especially proficient at making in-game adjustments when his defensive sets failed to hold.

Van Gundy may never leave his comfortable perch as an announcer, but if he does, it’d be interesting to see if he could do for Marc Gasol what he did for Patrick Ewing and Yao Ming.

Next: Booth to Bench, Part II

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