It appears the Maloofs and Geoff Petrie have a favorite among the candidates for the Kings job, according to The Bee's Sam Amick.
A day later, the Kings were in danger of losing the most qualified of the eight candidates they've interviewed. Asked on Monday if the Kings had presented Van Gundy with an offer, Gavin Maloof said by phone, "I can't say. I can't say." Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis is the only other candidate to receive a second interview.
"I can't say, I can't say" clearly means "Yes, yes." (For casino owners, the Maloofs have TERRIBLE poker faces.) With other solid candidates available, I sincerely doubt Petrie will get into a bidding war over Van Gundy. But at the least, it could rush things.
Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel expects the Magic to offer Van Gundy a contract as soon as today. While SVG is from Northern California, his entire family now lives in Florida. There's no home court advantage for the Kings.
Further complicating the... already complex proceedings is that Flip Saunders will keep his job, meaning Terry Porter is still dangling out there.
How would I like to see things end? Well, I think Van Gundy is clearly headed for Orlando -- there's no way the Magic convince Billy Donovan to change course again at this point. I get Porter's number ready for the second Van Gundy lets us know he won't take our job. And hopefully, Terry Porter becomes the next coach of the Sacramento Kings.
If not, look for Scott Brooks to get the gig. Times a-wasting.