Knicks Want To Wait For Derek Fisher
Knicks president Phil Jackson continues to send out signals that he’s in no rush to hire a coach until he can seriously discuss the position with Thunder guard Derek Fisher, sources close to the process tell Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein of ESPN.com.
Fisher’s interest in coaching remains a matter of debate and for his part, he’s trying deflect all questions about his future, whether it be as a coach or a front office executive, until after the playoffs. Fisher, like previous frontrunner Steve Kerr, would be a coaching neophyte with strong ties and familiarity to Jackson.
Sources say that in addition to Fisher, the Knicks still have interest in Nuggets coach Brian Shaw but do not currently plan to ask the Nuggets’ permission to speak with him. Because teams can only offer cash or draft picks as compensation for coaches, sources say New York fears it likely can’t meet the Nuggets’ demands.
Latest On Kevin Love
10:22pm: Knicks president Phil Jackson has been plotting to acquire Love via trade, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. The Knicks’ interest in Love for next summer has been known, but they could try and get him sooner if he’s made available.
4:58pm: The Celtics have emerged as an increasingly intriguing destination for Timberwolves All-Star forward Kevin Love, league sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. The Celtics’ draft position coming out of Tuesday night’s lottery could have a big impact on the feasibility of a deal with Minnesota.
If the C’s get their projected No. 5 slot, that could be a big asset in landing Love. If they move up and get a top three spot, that would make the decision harder for GM Danny Ainge. Love’s representatives with Excel Sports are pushing Timberwolves president Flip Saunders to find a trade acceptable to them before the beginning of summer free agency in July – preferably by the June 26 NBA draft, league sources say. As we learned earlier, Love has let the T’Wolves know that he won’t be signing an extension with them.
The Rockets are planning an aggressive pursuit for Love and the Warriors, Lakers, and Suns were mentioned as landing spots in Wojnarowski’s report from earlier. The Rockets are also in the mix since Kevin McHale has ties to Love.
And-Ones: Jackson, Pistons, Izzo, Lakers
The playoffs haven’t been pretty for the Pacers so far, but they clawed their way to the Eastern Conference Finals and today they reminded the Heat that they’re ready to give them another tough fight. The Pacers took Game 1 107-96 behind 24 points and seven assists from Paul George and 19 points and seven boards from David West. Here’s tonight’s look around the NBA..
- Former Warriors coach Mark Jackson told Shams Charania of RealGM (on Twitter) that he’s yet to hear from an NBA team about a coaching job. He went on to say that he’s “relaxing and enjoying life.”
- Despite a report to the contrary, the Pistons never offered the head coaching job to Michigan State’s Tom Izzo, writes Vincent Goodwill of the Detroit News. Michigan coach John Beilein was also on the list, but didn’t get much further. Of course, Stan Van Gundy wound up signing on as coach and president of basketball operations.
- With the Lakers season in the books, Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com looks at MarShon Brooks‘ time in L.A. Ever since breaking into the league as a promising rookie for the Nets, Brooks has played for three different teams in two seasons. While Kent Bazemore, the other asset coming over in the Steve Blake deal, hit it off with the Lakers, Brooks never found his groove.
Hoops Links: Stauskas, Payne, Van Gundy
On this date in 1998, Michael Jordan was named the 1998 NBA Most Valuable Player, earning his fifth MVP honor, tied for the second-most league MVP awards with the legendary Bill Russell. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the all-time leader as he was named NBA MVP a record six times.
Got a great basketball blog post that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors? Send it to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here’s this week’s look around the basketball blogosphere…
- Six Championship Drive delivers a scouting report on Michigan guard Nik Stauskas.
- Legion Report looks at draft sleepers, including Michigan State’s Adreian Payne.
- Impact Sports likes Stan Van Gundy for the Pistons’ job.
- The Daily Dribble previewed the conference finals.
- Raptors HQ finished out their end-of-season grades for Toronto.
- Nets Daily doesn’t see any flexibility for Brooklyn this summer.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.
Atlantic Notes: Celtics, Knicks, JVG, Love
The Nets don’t have a ton of wiggle room this offseason, so they’ll have to explore some unorthodox ideas if they want to make a major overhaul. Last week, it was reported that Brooklyn is open to the idea of moving star guard Deron Williams. Williams just finished a hugely disappointing season, his fourth with Brooklyn and the second on his five-year, $99MM contract, so they might not find the kind of return they’re hoping for. More out of the Atlantic..
- The Celtics are slated to come away with the No. 5 pick in Tuesday night’s lottery, but the ping pong balls haven’t always equaled success for them, writes Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. Seventeen years ago, Boston brass gathered in Secaucus, N.J., with the best chance of landing the consensus No. 1 overall pick, Tim Duncan. The Celtics instead finished with two of the top six picks and selected Colorado guard Chauncey Billups third and Kentucky swingman Ron Mercer sixth.
- Earlier today on ESPN Radio, Jeff Van Gundy reiterated that he would be happy to speak with Phil Jackson if he comes calling, writes Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com. “If Phil Jackson ever wanted to talk basketball with me, which, listen, who knows if that’s true, but if he ever did, of course I would take the time, because I’m sure I could benefit from the conversation,” the former Knicks coach said.
- The good news for Knicks fans is that Kevin Love wants out of Minnesota. The bad news is that the Knicks are going to have a whole lot of competing suitors for him, Begley writes. On top of that, Love is sick of losing and wants to contend immediately. The Knicks, as currently constructed, wouldn’t fit the bill.
Hoops Rumors Originals
Here’s our look back at the original reporting and analysis from the Hoops Rumors staff this week..
- I interviewed Virginia standout Joe Harris, who wants teams to know he’s more than a three-point shooter.
- The offseason ahead could be a pivot point for the Hawks, but it doesn’t have to be, Chuck Myron writes.
- A chance at more minutes could lure Marvin Williams away from the Jazz, Ryan Raroque writes.
- The Warriors have to show front office savvy and patience if they want to take the next step, writes Chuck.
- Chuck explained the maximum salary and its benefits.
- If you missed out on this week’s chat, check out the transcript here.
Week In Review: 5/12/14 – 5/18/14
Steve Kerr was supposed to be a slam dunk for the Knicks, but the Warriors got in the way. Golden State shocked the world when they signed the former Phil Jackson pupil to a five-year, $25MM deal. It had been reported that the Warriors had moved on from him because he was believed to be too far along in his negotiations with New York, but that apparently wasn’t the case. Here’s more from the week that was..
- The Pistons hired Stan Van Gundy as head coach and president of basketball operations. It’s a five-year, $35MM deal for the former Magic coach, who seemed to be close to a deal with the Warriors at one point. Ultimately, the Warriors wouldn’t give him control of the roster while Detroit did.
- Kevin Love wants out. The Wolves are mulling the idea of trading him and also considering Sam Mitchell as a head coaching candidate.
- The Hawks are after Omer Asik as the Rockets shop the big man and Jeremy Lin. Houston reportedly wants to move the duo to make room for Carmelo Anthony.
- Phil Jackson reportedly told Raymond Felton to expect a trade. The Knicks are expected to pursue Steve Blake.
- The Cavs fired coach Mike Brown and removed the interim tag from GM David Griffin‘s title.
- The Knicks are going back to the drawing board with an eye on younger coaches. Jeff Van Gundy indicated he’d consider the role but he doesn’t fit the profile.
- The Nets won’t rule out trading away former All-Star point guard Deron Williams.
- The Blazers signed Terry Stotts to a multiyear contract extension.
- The Cavs are still looking for a coach and have interest in John Calipari.
- Andray Blatche says he’ll turn down his player option for next season but adds that he’d nonetheless like to re-sign with the Nets.
- Paul Pierce is intrigued by the Clippers.
- The sale of the Bucks to Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry has been approved.
- The Wizards want to keep Trevor Ariza.
- The Pistons may or may not be unlikely to re-sign Greg Monroe, depending on who you ask.
- The T’Wolves like Shaun Livingston.
- Many believe that the league wants Magic Johnson to buy the Clippers.
- The Bulls appear to have Mavs guard Devin Harris in their sights.
- NBA teams have been in touch with University of Connecticut coach Kevin Ollie and one is close to interviewing him.
- The Rockets are the leaders among many NBA teams interested in Spanish league shooting guard Zoran Dragic.
- The Jazz, Cavs, Warriors, and Wolves have shown interest in Lionel Hollins.
- The Jazz are eyeing John Stockton for their coaching vacancy as well.
- The Bulls will allow the Jazz to interview assistant coach Adrian Griffin for their head coaching vacancy.
And-Ones: Beilein, Sterling, Wizards, Nets
Two college coaches are intriguing NBA executives, tweets Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. Michigan’s John Beilein and Virginia’s Tony Bennett seem to be drawing interest from clubs – some who have openings and some that don’t, according to Wojnarowski. Here’s more from around the league..
- NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement in response to Donald Sterling’s interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN (from Baxter Holmes of the Boston Globe on Twitter). Within the interview, Sterling made several disparaging comments about the iconic Magic Johnson.
- The Sterling saga is unlikely to come to full resolution anytime soon, and players union vice president Roger Mason Jr., speaking to Bleacher Report’s Jared Zwerling, once more raised the specter of widespread protest if Sterling isn’t ousted. “We could definitely boycott if that happens,” Mason Jr. said. “I could see not only Clippers players, but the league banding together.”
- Clippers interim CEO Dick Parsons says he has not yet spoken with either of the Sterlings, tweets Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News. He added that he will likely speak with Shelly, but not with Donald.
- Parsons also said he thinks “the outcome is inevitable” that the Clippers will eventually move into new ownership (link).
- The Wizards think they’ll be able to re-sign Marcin Gortat and Trevor Ariza this summer, but bringing both of them back won’t be easy, as TNT’s David Aldridge observes amid his Morning Tip column for NBA.com.
- A real estate development company that has a 20% stake in the Nets is putting its share of the team up for sale at $200MM, meaning its valuation of the full franchise is a record $1 billion, reports Daniel Kaplan of Sports Business Journal. There’s been speculation that the Clippers could sell for more than $1 billion.
- Eric Griffin, who was a late cut last pre-season with the Heat after playing for their Summer League team, will join the Raptors‘ Summer League squad, a source tells Shams Charania of RealGM. Griffin attended Campbell and played this season in Puerto Rico.
- The Nuggets are seeking a long, defensive-minded shooting guard and locker room leadership this summer, as Chris Dempsey of The Denver Post details.
Chuck Myron contributed to this post.
Central Rumors: LeBron, Kyrie, Bucks
The Pacers are the Central Division’s remaining horse in the race but for the rest of the gang, the offseason is underway. Here’s the latest..
- The NBA is moving quickly toward approval of Herb Kohl’s sale of the Bucks to Marc Lasry and Wesley Edens, and there’s a chance the league will announce the transfer later this week, a source tells Don Walker of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
- LeBron James gave his thoughts on Mike Brown‘s dismissal before the tip-off of Game 4 against the Nets. “It’s a tough business and Mike Brown got the short end of a tough business,” the Heat star said, according to Joseph Goodman of the Miami Herald (on Twitter). The Cavs made the long-expected decision to oust Brown earlier today.
- Meanwhile, Cavs guard Kyrie Irving is “in complete support” of Brown’s dismissal and David Griffin‘s promotion to permanent GM, tweets Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio. There have been rumblings that Irving has been unhappy in Cleveland and the Cavs have him under team control through the summer of 2016, so it’s important for them to keep him satisfied in the long term.
Chuck Myron contributed to this post.
Prospect Profile: Joe Harris
The Virginia Cavaliers didn’t get as far as they hoped in the NCAA Tourney, but they still turned in one of their best seasons in campaign history. Their success was in no small part due to the play of senior Joe Harris, who helped keep defenses honest with his dangerous outside shooting. The senior terrorized the ACC in his final season and he’s anxious to try and do the same at the next level.
“I can shoot the ball and defend at a high level and I think that’s a pretty good combination for any NBA team. You can never enough shooters on any team. i’m fortunate enough to bring that ability to the table,” Harris told HoopsRumors.com. 
Harris, who averaged 12.0 PPG and shot 40% from beyond the arc this season, stands apart from a lot of the other 2014 draft hopefuls. While this year’s class is deep overall and chock full of intriguing athletes, the general feeling is that there aren’t a ton of great shooters in the first round. If you want to come away with a jumper you can count on, you’ll likely have to scour the second round for players like the Virginia star.
Harris arrived on campus with an automatic shot but his play on the other side of the floor left much to be desired. He was tasked with upping his D and, with time, he morphed into a stout defender.
“I think the system that I played in taught defensive principals and the defensive mindset that you need to have. Of course, defense is more than a mindset, you have to have the lateral quickness too, but the principals and that mindset and helped me become a much better defender. Coach [Tony Bennett‘s] program made me better and I’ll carry that with me to the NBA,” said the small forward.
The 22-year-old is confident but knows that there is still a lot of work ahead of him. Harris says he’ll be working to improve his ball handling and overall athleticism, two of his commonly cited weaknesses. He’s currently training alongside fellow Mark Bartelstein clients Doug McDermott, Nik Stauskas, and Sean Kilpatrick in an effort to improve in not just those areas but “all areas.”
As a wing with range, some have been quick to compare Harris to Kyle Korver. Harris, who called the Hawks forward an “unbelievable shooter,” doesn’t see it, but he stressed that they are similar in that both can bring much more to the table than three-point shooting. In the coming weeks, Harris will be traveling to the West Coast for individual workouts with the Suns and at least one of the Los Angeles teams before heading to the Lone Star State for auditions with the Mavs and Spurs. Between those sessions and the combines, Harris is hopeful that he’ll find not only an NBA opportunity, but the “right fit” to help make his transition to the Association a seamless one.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.