The Grizzlies might have interest in hiring Jeff Van Gundy to be their coach and head of basketball operations in a deal similar to the one that Stan Van Gundy received from the Pistons, writes Marc Stein of ESPN.com. This would be in the event that current coach Dave Joerger takes the Timberwolves coaching position, an occurrence that Stein’s sources classify as an “inevitability.” The article also notes that team owner Robert Pera doesn’t want Joerger back no matter what happens with Minnesota.
More from out west:
- Alvin Gentry and Adrian Griffin are at the top of the list of candidates the Jazz are considering to become their next head coach, writes Aaron Falk of the Salt Lake Tribune.
- With only two roster spots potentially open, Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey will have to get creative if he wants to upgrade his roster this offseason, writes John Canzano of The Oregonian. Olshey will also have to decide if C.J. McCollum is a rotation player, and to convince LaMarcus Aldridge to re-sign with the team when he becomes a free agent after next season, notes Canzano.
- The Lakers had a large presence at the BDA Sports pre-draft workouts of Aaron Gordon and Zach Lavine, writes Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times. The Lakers have the seventh overall selection in this year’s NBA Draft. Gordon is currently projected to be a top-ten pick, and LaVine is projected as a middle of the first round selection.
- What the Jazz need most in the draft is to find a “generational star,” writes Gordon Monson of The Salt Lake Tribune. The article looks at the team’s draft options with the fifth overall pick.
- With all the turmoil in their front office, the next coach the Grizzlies hire will need to bring some stability to the franchise, writes Geoff Calkins of The Commercial Appeal.