TNT analyst and former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy would not respond to a new round of rumors about his future, one of which was confirmed by an NBA official last night: The New Orleans Hornets were granted permission by the Knicks to speak with him about their coaching vacancy, but Van Gundy sent back word to owner George Shinn that he isn't interested.

His reasons, according to the official, were sound. Van Gundy is perplexed that Hornets ownership would fire Paul Silas after a successful tenure; he doesn't like that the Hornets are going to the Western Conference; and he does not want to move his family to the deep South.

That would leave only a few good options if Van Gundy wants to coach next season. Among them are Houston (which may decide to kick Rudy Tomjanovich upstairs) and Cleveland (if it lands LeBron James). Van Gundy has fallen off Toronto's radar, however, because the Raptors are offering only $1.5 million to $1.8 million per season.