Magic close book on Donovan by hiring Van Gundy
ESPN.com news services
Updated: June 7, 2007, 10:13 AM ET
Comment
Email
Print
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Stan Van Gundy was hired Thursday as coach of the Orlando Magic, who acted quickly after their agreement with Billy Donovan collapsed.
Van Gundy coached the Miami Heat for more than two seasons, resigning in December 2006 but remaining with the team as an adviser to coach and team president Pat Riley. He also was being courted by the Sacramento Kings.
The team did not disclose terms of the agreement.
"Stan enjoyed tremendous success during his tenure with the Heat," general manager Otis Smith said in a statement on the Magic's Web site. "He has a great basketball mind, tremendous respect around the league and will get the most out of our players. Stan was sought after by many teams this summer and we feel very proud to welcome him to the Magic family."
Van Gundy was under contract with the Heat for another year, and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported on Wednesday night that the Heat will receive a second-round pick from Orlando in the June 28 NBA draft as compensation, plus other considerations. Further details were not available.
According to sources, Riley would not have asked for compensation if Van Gundy was hired to coach a Western Conference team, but he will remain in the Southeast Division with the Heat.
Orlando released Billy Donovan from his five-year, $27.5 million deal late Wednesday. The Magic might still have to deal with Van Gundy's own contract complications.
Van Gundy is under contract with the Heat as a consultant for one more season. He was replaced as coach by Riley, who led the team to their only championship.
Meanwhile, the Kings have interviewed several candidates to replace Eric Musselman, but Van Gundy and Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis were the only ones to receive invitations for second interviews in Las Vegas last week, where both met with Petrie and owners Joe and Gavin Maloof at the Maloofs' casino.
Andy Katz, who covers college basketball for ESPN.com, and Marc Stein, who covers the NBA for ESPN.com, contributed to this report. Information from The Associated Press was also used.
ESPN.com news services
Updated: June 7, 2007, 10:13 AM ET
Comment
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Stan Van Gundy was hired Thursday as coach of the Orlando Magic, who acted quickly after their agreement with Billy Donovan collapsed.
Van Gundy coached the Miami Heat for more than two seasons, resigning in December 2006 but remaining with the team as an adviser to coach and team president Pat Riley. He also was being courted by the Sacramento Kings.
The team did not disclose terms of the agreement.
"Stan enjoyed tremendous success during his tenure with the Heat," general manager Otis Smith said in a statement on the Magic's Web site. "He has a great basketball mind, tremendous respect around the league and will get the most out of our players. Stan was sought after by many teams this summer and we feel very proud to welcome him to the Magic family."
Van Gundy was under contract with the Heat for another year, and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported on Wednesday night that the Heat will receive a second-round pick from Orlando in the June 28 NBA draft as compensation, plus other considerations. Further details were not available.
According to sources, Riley would not have asked for compensation if Van Gundy was hired to coach a Western Conference team, but he will remain in the Southeast Division with the Heat.
Orlando released Billy Donovan from his five-year, $27.5 million deal late Wednesday. The Magic might still have to deal with Van Gundy's own contract complications.
Van Gundy is under contract with the Heat as a consultant for one more season. He was replaced as coach by Riley, who led the team to their only championship.
Meanwhile, the Kings have interviewed several candidates to replace Eric Musselman, but Van Gundy and Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis were the only ones to receive invitations for second interviews in Las Vegas last week, where both met with Petrie and owners Joe and Gavin Maloof at the Maloofs' casino.
Andy Katz, who covers college basketball for ESPN.com, and Marc Stein, who covers the NBA for ESPN.com, contributed to this report. Information from The Associated Press was also used.