The Raptors are advancing to a second round of interviews for their head coaching job, Doug Smith of The Toronto Star reports.
It may not be long before they announce Nick Nurse’s replacement. One source told Smith the Raptors president Masai Ujiri had narrowed the list to three candidates and that final interviews are being scheduled, though Smith says he was unable to independently confirm that source’s info.
From the beginning, the Raptors chose to take a broad approach to their search. Ujiri originally indicated the coaching search could last right up to the June draft but the process appears to be reaching an earlier conclusion.
Former Nets coach Steve Nash, Kings associate head coach Jordi Fernandez, TV analyst JJ Redick, Spanish national team coach Sergio Scariolo, Nuggets assistant David Adelman and Heat assistant Chris Quinn are potentially some of the names under serious consideration. Toronto had interest in former Suns coach Monty Williams but it’s unclear whether he has been interviewed.
Toronto is heading into a pivotal offseason with Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. expected to join Jakob Poeltl as free agents this summer.
So no one thinks not hiring Griffin is a telling sign here. He’s good enough for probably best team in East if healthy. But not good enough for the team he helped coach….
It’s not as simple as that. Optics are at play here. I don’t think Masai wanted to re-go the promote the Assistant of the coach you just fired route
Yes I can see that. But he’s going to a better team.
They may be going for a different perspective and/or direction, thus not a disciple of Nurse.
Already failed. Thanks nurse and Leonard for everything. Lowry was just there
Obviously they are rebuilding with those guys being the coaches they are interested in. No experience, no rings, just hopefuls.
With that in mind say goodbye to FVV returning, and don’t be surprised to see a Pascal trade.
It’s kind of the perfect time to trade Pascal really, he’s just had a great season statistically, he’s now on an expiring deal they wouldn’t make sense extending and he’s now 29 years old.
Portland are also very interested in him and getting better for Dame and could give up both the number 3 overall pick and Anfernee Simons.
That’s would be a great return for Toronto, especially if Scoot is still available.
With a good amount free with GTJ and FVV leaving this is what you’d have with spaces to fill.
Scoot Simons Barnes OG Poeltl
… … Otto Porter Thad Young Precious
Think it would be kind of ideal for Portland too,
Dame … Grant Pascal Nurkic, that’s the start to a very solid line up
I agree with everything but the value of Siakam. He is awesome and maybe exactly what POR needs, but he is an expiring that lowers his value IMO. So #3 pick + Simons its maybe a lil bit too much?
Not really. Sharpe would actually be the guy I want rather than Simmons plus the #3. Adding siakam to por would make them the likely favourite in the west. Strong lineup 1-5. I believe Por would also get siakams bird rights so would be easier to extend him and not go over the cap. If Por did the deal and won the chip in 24 I think everyone would be happy.
Favorite in the west? Do you mean the western part of Oregon?
The Nuggets
The Suns
The Warriors
I could keep going for a bit before I get anywhere near The Trailblazers…
Top 3-4? Better?
Portland would need some cap relief. Plus they still want to retain Grant.
I see what your saying but I think that’s a fair value. Not to mention in order to somewhat balance the books you have to lose some money to add some money, Pascal is on 35mil and obviously your not giving up Dame so it kinda has to be Simons deal that comes off the books …
As a Portland fan I’d rather keep Jerami Grant.
Siakam is a defense last player also, which is not in line with the supposed “defense” approach Portland has staked some claims to.
Lillard for Siakam and a pick, then Portland flips Siakam is do-able, but I don’t see a lot there otherwise.
Maybe something involving Nurkic if Lillard is dealt?
I agree Siakam makes a big difference in Portland. And is a great fit with Grant and Nurkic.
Jordi
Redick would be one of the worst choices in NBA history.
Because his coaching record proves it I suppose.
Time to rebuild!! Trade Siakam, OG. Do not resign FVF and Trent JR. Get a mediocre coach like Nash so the team can tank a la OKC.
I can’t believe that Reddick is being considered for a coaching job. NBA is becoming a laughing stock!! Next Pat Bev coaching the Suns!
Me gustarian Jakob Poeltl y Gary trent en los mavs y dejaran ir a Kyrie
Nadie quiere Kyrie …. solamente el Rey. Porque le dan un chance a otro Finals.