Jeff Van Gundy’s name has resurfaced in connection with the Nets coaching vacancy.
The former Knicks and Rockets coach, now an analyst for ESPN and widely considered to be one of the top available coaching options on the market, has had “preliminary contact” with the Nets about the opening, according to a tweet by longtime NBA writer Mark Heisler.
The Nets wouldn’t confirm or deny whether they have contacted Van Gundy, maintaining their ongoing policy to not comment on the search until it has been completed. When contacted by The Post, Van Gundy stuck to the same policy he has maintained whenever his name has come up for a job, saying he’s not going to speak about any open job.
With the Bucks hiring former Hawks coach Larry Drew to fill their vacancy yesterday, there are now four jobs — the Nets, Clippers, 76ers and Pistons — open, with the future of Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins — another possible candidate for the Nets job — still to be determined, His contract expires June 30.
fred.kerber@nypost.com