Latest On Nets Coaching Search
The Nets wasted no time making their decision on interim coach P.J. Carlesimo, announcing his ouster about 14 hours after the team was eliminated from the playoffs last night. GM Billy King says he won't rush to name a replacement, but King was quick to name Phil Jackson as a candidate. There's dispute over whether Jeff Van Gundy is in the running for the job as well. Here's what we know as the story continues to develop:
- Deron Williams told reporters, including Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News (via Twitter), that he'd "love" to play for Jerry Sloan again. According to many observers, Williams and Sloan clashed quite a bit in Utah and there was speculation that their friction is what led the longtime coach to walk away.
- TNT's David Aldridge puts Jeff Van Gundy and brother Stan Van Gundy on a shortlist of "obvious" candidates, along with Larry Brown. Jackson doesn't want to coach the team, and would prefer a player personnel role similar to Pat Riley's team presidency with the Heat, Aldridge adds (Twitter link).
- King told reporters he has no idea about the level of interest Jackson may have in the job, as Newsday's Roderick Boone notes, via Twitter.
- Despite the splashy names already linked to the team, King said the Nets aren't prioritizing a marquee hire, citing the success that Chicago's Tom Thibodeau has had in his first job as a head coach, tweets Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News.
- Marc Stein of ESPN.com nonetheless believes the team will go after a big name coach, arguing that it would be easier to bring one of them aboard than to fix the team's roster. Owner Mikhail Prokhorov has always coveted Jackson, Stein tweets.
- Stein also points out the relationship between Brown, currently coaching at SMU, and King (Twitter link).
- Current Nets assistants will have a chance to meet with whoever takes over as head coach before the team decides whether to retain them, Bondy tweets.
P.J. Carlesimo Out As Nets Coach
12:12pm: Bondy hears Van Gundy isn't a high priority candidate for the team, and says it's unlikely the Nets will even meet with him (Twitter links). King, meanwhile, told reporters he'll be giving Jackson a call, tweets Andy Vasquez of the Bergen Record.
11:50am: Nets GM Billy King told reporters, including Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, that interim coach P.J. Carlesimo will not return (Twitter link). The team elected to let the coach go after last night's first-round elimination in Game Seven against the Bulls. Ken Berger of CBSSports.com reported within the hour that the team would make its decision on Carlesimo swiftly, and hinted that the Nets would not retain him. The search for a replacement will begin immediately, and sources tell Berger that Jeff Van Gundy will be a primary target (Twitter link).
The Nets aren't setting a timetable for themselves as they begin their search, tweets Joshua Newman of SNY.tv. Carlesimo had been an assistant coach when the team fired head coach Avery Johnson in December. Brooklyn had a record of 14-14 at that point, but under Carlesimo the Nets went 35-19 over the rest of the regular season and grabbed the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Van Gundy and Phil Jackson were reportedly among the team's targets to take over in the middle of the season, but with tepid response from its top candidates, the team decided to let Carlesimo coach the rest of the season. The Nets have continued to be linked to Jackson over the past few months.
Atlantic Rumors: Celtics, Carlesimo, 76ers, Raptors
It's become an almost annual rite of spring to wonder about the future of the Celtics as soon as they're eliminated from the playoffs. Last year, one of the "Big Three" finally departed, as Ray Allen signed with the Heat. Here's more on who could be next, along with more on three other Atlantic teams whose 2012/13 seasons are over.
- The Nets will quickly decide on Carlesimo's fate, according to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). Berger also says the team is expected to begin a coaching search soon, so that would seem to indicate Carlesimo is on his way out.
Earlier updates:
- Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe outlines the strategies Danny Ainge can take with the Celtics' roster. Aside from the uncertain futures of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, Washburn expects Ainge to shop Courtney Lee and Jason Terry and look for a backup point guard and a rebounder who can play center.
- Terry, who'll turn 36 in September, has no plans to retire and wants a more clearly defined role with the Celtics next season, observes Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald.
- The Herald's Steve Bulpett believes the Celtics need to add a superstar to contend for the title, and because it's difficult to imagine them doing so, he thinks Garnett, Pierce and perhaps Doc Rivers are all unlikely to return.
- Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson are among the Nets players who'd like to see interim coach P.J. Carlesimo return, notes Mike Mazzeo of ESPNNewYork.com.
- Hiring an elite coach is critical to the Sixers' ability to build a consistent winner, argues Tom Moore of PhillyBurbs.com.
- Better defense, more trust on offense, and increased three-point shooting should be priorities for the Raptors heading into next season, according to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, who answer reader questions in his latest mailbag column.
Raptors Increase Pursuit Of Phil Jackson
Now that the NBA's relocation committee has recommended denying a potential Kings move to Seattle, the Raptors have ramped up their pursuit of Phil Jackson as team president, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne. Because Jackson and Seattle investor Chris Hansen had "hit it off," Toronto had viewed Seattle as the biggest threat to preventing Jackson from seriously considering their pitch, the ESPN.com duo reports.
With Seattle seemingly out of the picture, the Raptors, led by new MLSE president and CEO Tim Leiweke, believe they represent Jackson's most attractive current option. Although there's some skepticism around the league about the Zen Master's willingness to relocate to Canada, Leiweke's "vision and energy" as well as his shared success with Jackson in Los Angeles should ensure that the 11-time champion gives the pitch serious consideration.
According to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, while Jackson will consider Toronto's pitch, he's also interested in exploring his options with other potential suitors, as many have reached out to the former Lakers coach through back channels. Berger reiterates that there are doubts around the NBA about how interested Jackson is in lottery teams like the Raptors or Bobcats, but says Jackson appears open to listening to any team willing to offer him an influential position.
Berger reports that Jackson may be more interested in an advisory role similar to the one Jerry West holds with the Warriors, rather than a position like Pat Riley's presidency with the Heat. The CBSSports.com scribe also expects teams, such as the Nets, to continue to pursue Jackson for coaching openings, offering him a significant voice in basketball operations as well.
Stein and Shelburne first reported last week that the Raptors were considering making a run at Jackson.
Kyler On Blatche, Daye, Landry, Pacers, Spurs
History was made this morning, as Jason Collins publicly came out as the first active male athlete to announce that he's gay. Collins, who hopes to continue his playing career, will be a free agent this summer, looking for a contract from a team in need of frontcourt help. In his latest piece for HoopsWorld, Steve Kyler looked at a few other big men facing free agency, exploring what their respective futures might hold. Let's check out the highlights….
- Andray Blatche is still being paid by the Wizards through next season, so he won't necessarily be seeking the highest salary offered this summer. However, if he can secure a multiyear deal, he may lean toward that opportunity, says Kyler.
- Although he's eligible for restricted free agency, Austin Daye is unlikely to receive a qualifying offer from the Grizzlies. Kyler doesn't expect the ex-Piston to be back in Memphis next season.
- Carl Landry remains likely to opt out of his last year with the Warriors in search of a longer-term contract.
- The Pacers won't hold full Bird rights on David West, but West's Early Bird rights will be more than enough to make him a competitive offer. Kyler thinks West and the Pacers are likely to work out a deal fairly quickly that will keep the power forward in Indiana.
- Kyler notes that trading Danny Granger would help give the Pacers the flexibility to bring back both West and Tyler Hansbrough, who is eligible for restricted free agency. Kyler expects the Pacers to issue a qualifying offer to Hansbrough and match any reasonable offer.
- Antawn Jamison is unlikely to re-sign with the Lakers, and if Earl Clark returns, it will have to be for not much more than the $1.24MM he made this year, says Kyler.
- Boris Diaw, who has a player option, and Matt Bonner, whose deal is only partially guaranteed, both figure to be back with the Spurs next season. However, Kyler says DeJuan Blair is "done in San Antonio," which echoes what we heard yesterday.
Odds & Ends: Sixers, Jack, Thunder, Johnson
Here's tonight's look around the Association as we marvel at Stephen Curry..
- The Sixers aren't rushing their decision on a new head coach, and John Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer gives a thumbs-up to their deliberate strategy. The Sixers could have even more candidates to consider after the postseason when more than one currently employed coach could be shown the door.
- Keeping Jarrett Jack might be a problem for the Warriors, writes Marcus Thompson II of the Mercury News. The guard is playing out the final year of his contract, which pays him $5MM this season. Jack says that he would like an opportunity to start, but he also enjoys playing for Golden State.
- The Oklahoman's John Rohde examined the long-term future of the Thunder in the small market of Oklahoma City.
- In a conference call with reporters this afternoon, Nets coach P.J. Carlesimo was asked if guard Joe Johnson is worthy of the max contract he received from Atlanta in 2010. The coach, as one would expect, came to the defense of his player, writes Tim Bontemps of the New York Post.
Odds & Ends: Pistons, Carlesimo, Lakers
We've got four great playoff games on the docket today, starting with the Nets and Bulls at 1pm Central. After that, it's Clippers-Grizzlies at 3:30, Pacers–Hawks at 6:00, and Thunder–Rockets at 8:30. Here's today's look around the Association..
- David Mayo of MLive.com doesn't necessarily expect the Pistons to rush when it comes to finding a new head coach. At this point it has become clear that there may be a wish list, but there is no clear front-runner for the gig.
- Nets coach P.J. Carlesimo finds himself in a must-win situation to keep his job, writes George Willis of the New York Post. General Manager Billy King recently got a contract extension but its believed that Carlesimo has to take Brooklyn deep into the playoffs in order to get a contract for next season and beyond.
- There will be plenty of finger pointing going on when it comes to the Lakers this summer, writes Brian Kamenetzky of SheridanHoops.com. Some will blame coach Mike D'Antoni for the teams woes while others will put the onus on the front office. No matter how things shake out, it figures to be an interesting offseason in L.A.
- This was a season that was never meant to be for the Lakers, writes Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com. The Spurs cruised to a 120-89 victory on Friday night to take a 3-0 lead in their first round series.
Atlantic Notes: Raptors, Jackson, Nets, Wallace
Here’s a look at the latest out of the Atlantic as the Nets look to even up their series with the Bulls tonight in Chicago..
- Doug Smith of the Toronto Star hears from a lot of people that Phil Jackson to the Raptors isn’t far-fetched at all. However, he also spoke to someone who suggested that Jackson wouldn’t leave his kids, grandkids, and fiancé on the West Coast. Because of that, the source suggested that Seattle – if the Kings wind up there– might be a more logical landing place for him.
- As the Nets find themselves down 2-1 to the Bulls, forward Gerald Wallace says that he doesn’t “have a clue” as to what his role is supposed to be, writes Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. Wallace signed a new four-year, $40MM deal with Brooklyn over the summer.
- Jackson looks primed for a return to the NBA, opines Joel Brigham of HoopsWorld. If anyone could make that return happen north of the border, Brigham writes, it’s new Raptors hire Tim Leiweke.
Raptors Planning Run At Phil Jackson?
5:44pm: Leiweke told reporters, including USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt, that he and Jackson have spoken this week, but only about the city of Toronto and not basketball matters. Still, he acknowledged that he and Jackson are friends (Twitter links).
3:48pm: Stein and Ramona Shelburne have included a few more details on Jackson and the Raptors in their full story on the subject at ESPN.com. Here are a few of the notable new items:
- Prior to the hiring of Leiweke, the Raptors were leaning toward retaining both Colangelo and coach Dwane Casey. However, Leiweke's presence throws their futures into doubt.
- Sources continue to stress to ESPN.com that it's very likely Jackson will be back in the NBA next season in some capacity.
- One source tells the ESPN duo that Jackson has "far more of an open mind than has been portrayed" with regard to potential job openings, and that he's willing to consider just about any legitimate pitch.
- A reunion with the Lakers remains highly unlikely for Jackson.
- Jackson is well-regarded by Chris Hansen, who is leading the Seattle group trying to buy the Kings. If Hansen's purchase of the franchise is improved, the opportunity for Jackson to put together a coaching staff and front-office team may arise in Seattle.
- The Nets may also make a run at Jackson for their coaching position this summer, since owner Mikhail Prokhorov is believed to want to make a "splashy hire."
1:26pm: Earlier this week, Phil Jackson confirmed that he has spoken to "three or four teams" about possible front office jobs, and now it appears the identity of some of those teams are surfacing.
Yesterday, Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio reported that the Bobcats may be considering offering Phil Jackson a chance to run Charlotte's basketball operations. Today, ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports (via Twitter) he has been hearing "rumbles all week" that the Raptors are planning to make a run at Jackson, potentially offering him the team presidency.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the majority owner of the Raptors and the NHL's Maple Leafs, among other Toronto sports teams, announced today that Tim Leiweke will become the company's new president and CEO, effective June 30th. Leiweke had previously held a similar role at Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns a portion of the Lakers and other Los Angeles franchises. As Stein points out (via Twitter), Leiweke gives the Raptors a "major player with L.A. ties" who could make a pitch Jackson would consider.
Current Raptors president Bryan Colangelo has one year remaining on his contract, but the team has yet to formally exercise its option on Colangelo for 2013/14.
Nets Sign Billy King To Multiyear Extension
FRIDAY, 12:37pm: The Nets have officially signed King to a contract extension, the team announced today in a press release. Details on the years and dollars involved in the deal weren't disclosed.
"Billy has been a great asset to the Nets organization over the last three years," owner Mikhail Prokhorov said in a statement. "He has shown he is not afraid to be bold and take risks, and, as a result, we have a playoff team with a world of potential. We are glad we will have the opportunity to continue our work together and realize that potential."
THURSDAY, 1:10pm: The Nets and Billy King are in the process of finalizing a multiyear contract extension for the general manager, whose current deal is set to expire this summer, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. A formal announcement from the team is expected sometime in the near future, according to Wojnarowski.
King, who assumed his current role with the Nets in July 2010, has rebuilt the club into an Eastern Conference contender since then, with the help of a free-spending owner in Mikhail Prokhorov. King and the Nets were the NBA's biggest spender last summer, when the team signed Deron Williams and Brook Lopez to maximum contracts, inked Kris Humphries and Gerald Wallace to eight-digit, multiyear deals, and assumed Joe Johnson's hefty contract in a trade with the Hawks.
Prior to becoming the Nets' GM, King spent more than nine years in Philadelphia as general manager of the 76ers.