Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski will step down from his national team duties after the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, as he told Andy Katz of ESPN.com. The news is not surprising, since Krzyzewski had originally wanted to step away after the 2012 Games. He didn’t indicate a preference for any specific successor but said he’d like to see a coach experience with international competition step into the position.
“I think it’s time to move ahead. During the next season there will be a number of decisions made about the future of USA Basketball with Rio [the roster] and coaching,” Krzyzewski said to Katz. “There has to be a succession … a planned succession with really good people so we can keep the continuity of the program going.”
While we wait to see if the next USA Basketball coach has NBA ties, here’s the latest from around the league:
- At least other two teams have interest in James Ennis of the Heat, scouts have told Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel, which complicates matters for Miami as it debates keeping Ennis for opening night, when his non-guaranteed salary would become fully guaranteed, Winderman notes.
- Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak has said he believes his team has more assets it could throw into trades than it had last season, but people around the league are pessimistic on what the Lakers can offer, as Baxter Holmes of ESPNLosAngeles.com details. In any case, the Lakers player with the greatest trade value is D’Angelo Russell, according to the consensus of the insiders who spoke with Holmes.
- New Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg hasn’t observed any tension between stars Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose and is confident they can mesh on the floor, as Hoiberg tells Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com. Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times recently heard from a source who said Butler was frustrated with the point guard’s approach to the game. “I think they’ve got a very good relationship and that’s from sitting down and talking to both of them individually, talking to them together,” Hoiberg said. “There’s no issue there. I think those two would be the first to tell you that everything that’s been reported out there is not true. I think it could be one of the most dynamic, best backcourts in the league. I think those two play very well off each other.”
The “insiders” Holmes talked to are stupid. Clarkson isn’t making any money so he’s can’t play? What is that? Randle 7 pick in 2014 draft. He did break his leg but he lost weight and is quicker than expected. Randle is also improving his jumper. Lou will and bass have trade value but not for a star. The hate for lakers is real and showing more than ever especially from ESPN
Not surprising to see those reports about Ennis, considering his athleticism and potential on both sides of the ball
I’d trade Jimmy Butler to the Lakers for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers 2016 unprotected 1st round pick.
Pending a physical, I’d need Kobe to give me 1 good season, make Lebron play defence, and take the big shots in the ECF when D. Rose is tripled teamed.
It’d be a great trade for both teams, but I’m too tired to list the reasons why.