Eastern Notes: Celtics, Bobcats, Pistons
A few notes from around the NBA's Eastern Conference:
- The Celtics have a plethora of questions to answer this summer, with their most pertinent being what to do with Paul Pierce. ESPNBoston.com's Chris Forsberg looks at all of them, then gauges what the team's plan of attack should be.
- Bobcats new head coach Steve Clifford is pleased with his new roster, even though it's the same group that struggled heavily the past two years, writes Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.
- The Pistons are still searching for a head coach to fill the void that was created after Lawrence Frank's recent firing, writes DetroitNews.com's Vincent Goodwill.
Coaching Rumors: Pistons, Hollins, Kings, 76ers
A handful of the NBA's head coaching vacancies have been filled this week, with the Suns, Bobcats, and Hawks all deciding on new head coaches. Still, plenty of jobs remain open, including higher-profile positions in Los Angeles and Brooklyn. Let's round up the latest rumblings on the Association's coaching carousel….
- Sam Amick of USA Today follows up on his earlier report (linked below), tweeting that the reason the Kings may move quickly to hire Malone is a fear he'll be gone if they wait. Malone is expected to interview with the Clippers soon, according to Amick (via Twitter). Amick adds that the Kings have yet to contact Chris Mullin about the team's GM position.
Earlier updates:
- The Pistons have interviewed Bulls assistant Adrian Griffin for their head coaching opening, reports CSNNW.com's Chris Haynes. While Nate McMillan and Maurice Cheeks are viewed as the favorites in Detroit, Griffin's extensive phone interview with GM Joe Dumars was "impressive," a source tells Haynes. The Bulls assistant also interviewed for the Suns job before Phoenix hired Jeff Hornacek.
- Although the Nets are among the teams hoping to speak to Lionel Hollins, the Grizzlies coach told reporters, including Tim Bontemps of the New York Post, that he's not sure Memphis will grant rival suitors permission to talk to him before his contract expires on June 30th.
- Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group backs up Peter Vecsey's report that Michael Malone appears likely to be hired as the Kings' next head coach. Sam Amick of USA Today is hearing the same thing, noting that the team could bring Malone aboard before hiring a general manager, which would be an unorthodox approach.
- Amick also passes along an update on the Kings' search for a new head of basketball operations, reporting that the team has interviewed Warriors assistant GM Travis Schlenk and will likely interview Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace later this week. The Thunder denied Sacramento permission to speak to OKC's assistant GM Troy Weaver, while Spurs GM R.C. Buford isn't expected to have interest in the Kings job, according to Amick.
- The 76ers continue to move slowly in their coaching search, and have yet to formally interview a candidate for the job, says John N. Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Odds & Ends: Aldridge, Howard, Mavs, Hollins
Blazers big man LaMarcus Aldridge sat down with Leo Sepkowitz of Slam Online for a wide-ranging Q&A session earlier this week. Seven years after the 2006 draft, Aldridge has proven to be the only player taken in the top five that didn't fall short of expectations. Does the 27-year-old hold a grudge against the Bulls for passing him up? "I used to, but I don’t think I do anymore. I think someone named a stat that I average more points and rebounds against them and Dallas than anyone else. So people say that whenever I play them I have something to prove, but I don’t think I do anymore. But if the stats say I do, then I guess I do." Here's more from around the Association..
- Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com is stacking up the Mavericks, Lakers, and Rockets in different facets as they pursue Dwight Howard. Today, MacMahon weighs the allure of playing alongside Kobe Bryant vs. Dirk Nowitzki vs. James Harden. With age being a key factor, MacMahon gives the edge to Houston and Harden.
- Vincent Goodwill of the Detroit News (on Twitter) believes the process is too far down the line for the Pistons to bring Lionel Hollins in for an interview. Hollins hopes to remain with the Grizzlies but a number of other teams are said to be interested in him.
- Kansas center Jeff Withey is set to workout for the T'Wolves on June 13th, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN (on Twitter). Our own Chuck Myron profiled Withey who recently worked out for the Celtics. Minnesota's only pick in the draft is at No. 9, which means that they'll have to find their way into the mid-to-late portion of the first round to make the KU product a possibility.
- Scouts representing the Celtics, Mavs, Thunder, and Grizzlies were in Varese, Italy to watch the game between Cimberio and Montepaschi, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando (via Twitter).
Update On NBA Coaching Searches
Nearly a third of the NBA's teams have actively sought out a new head coach since the regular season ended last month, and it's possible that we could see even more clubs decide to make a change in the coming weeks. The Kings' new ownership group may fully overhaul the front office and coaching staff, while the Raptors' new head of basketball operations could decide to replace Dwane Casey.
A pair of teams have hired new coaches, but most of the clubs making a change are still pursuing and interviewing candidates. Here's an update on the NBA's offseason coaching carousel:
Atlanta Hawks
Out: Larry Drew
In: TBD
Larry Drew technically remains under contract with the Hawks, but according to Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution (Twitter link), he hasn't been in touch with the team recently and is proceeding as if he won't be back. Stan Van Gundy had initially been linked to the Hawks' opening, but says he won't coach next season. That could be good news for Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer, who is viewed by some insiders as the favorite for the Atlanta job. CSKA Moscow head coach Ettore Messina is also reportedly being considered.
Brooklyn Nets
Out: P.J. Carlesimo
In: TBD
The Nets seem to be thoroughly researching potential candidates before reaching out to them, with a recent report suggesting that Phil Jackson was the only target approached by the team so far. Part of the reason for the deliberate pace may be the fact that two names viewed as likely top candidates, Brian Shaw and Lionel Hollins, remain active in the postseason.
Charlotte Bobcats
Out: Mike Dunlap
In: TBD
When the Bobcats were seeking a a new head coach a year ago, their search was expansive and lasted several weeks. A year later, it appears that will be the case again. Kelvin Sampson, Alvin Gentry, and Elston Turner are among the candidates that have been interviewed by Charlotte so far, but the frontrunner may be Quin Snyder, who interviewed for the position last year as well. Chris Broussard reported last week that Snyder may be the preferred choice of Bobcats GM Rich Cho.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Out: Byron Scott
In: Mike Brown
The Cavs moved quickly to lock up Mike Brown, hiring him within a week of officially firing Byron Scott.
Detroit Pistons
Out: Lawrence Frank
In: TBD
When Jackson was brought in as a pro-bono consultant for the Pistons' coaching search, it raised questions about whose voice would dominate the process: Jackson's or GM Joe Dumars'. If the Zen Master has more sway, the team may push hard for Shaw, a former Jackson assistant. Dumars is believed to favor Maurice Cheeks or Nate McMillan. Budenholzer, Lindsey Hunter, Darrell Walker, and J.B Bickerstaff have also reportedly met with the Pistons.
Los Angeles Clippers
Out: Vinny Del Negro
In: TBD
According to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, the Clippers are shooting for the big names before fully getting their search underway. That list would include Van Gundy, Hollins, and Shaw, at the very least. The Clips have also been linked on several occasions to Gentry, Scott, and Michael Malone, and are said to be high on McMillan.
Milwaukee Bucks
Out: Jim Boylan
In: TBD
The latest report on the Bucks indicates the team has narrowed its focus to three finalists: Drew, Sampson, and Steve Clifford. All three are scheduled for second interviews with Milwaukee on Tuesday or Wednesday, so it wouldn't be a surprise if the team made a decision by the end of the week.
Philadelphia 76ers
Out: Doug Collins
In: TBD
Several names, including Shaw, Sampson, and Michael Curry initially surfaced in the Sixers' search, but GM Tony DiLeo has since been replaced by Sam Hinkie. At the moment, Hinkie seems more focused on structuring the front office than naming a new coach, so it's unclear what the timetable is for a Sixers hire, or which candidates Hinkie is considering.
Phoenix Suns
Out: Lindsey Hunter
In: Jeff Hornacek
The Suns and Jeff Hornacek reached an agreement yesterday, ending Phoenix's search.
Broussard On Coaching Searches, Wolves, Lottery
We briefly touched on the latest Insider-only offering from ESPN.com's Chris Broussard last night, but let's take a more in-depth look at Brousard's newest tidbits today:
- NBA executives are curious to see who the Pistons hire as a head coach, since it may indicate whether advisor Phil Jackson or GM Joe Dumars has more sway in Detroit. Dumars is believed to favor Nate McMillan or Maurice Cheeks, while Jackson's pick would likely be Brian Shaw.
- Had Chris Hansen's purchase of the Kings gone through, Jackson would have run the team's front office in Seattle, and intended to hire Shaw as head coach, says Broussard.
- The Nets have yet to approach any coaching candidates besides Jackson, who told the team he wasn't interested in coaching. Brooklyn is currently conducting "rigorous checks" on potential candidates, and is seeking someone tough and firm who is able to get the most out of the talent on the roster.
- The Clippers are high on McMillan, according to Broussard.
- Sources tell Broussard that Bobcats GM Rich Cho is interested in hiring Quin Snyder to replace Mike Dunlap.
- "Many league insiders" believe Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer is the favorite to land the Hawks' job, says Broussard.
- While Celtics GM Danny Ainge has privately told teams he won't grant them permission to speak to Doc Rivers, Broussard says if Rivers really wanted a change of scenery, Ainge would probably allow him to explore other options. There's no indication that's the case though.
- Although Flip Saunders will run the Timberwolves' basketball operations, he's looking to hire a general manager, and is currently performing background checks on possible candidates. A hire likely won't happen until after the draft, according to Broussard.
- Rival lottery teams aren't necessarily jealous that the Cavaliers landed the first overall pick. Said one GM: "I'd rather be two, three or four in this draft than one."
- Another executive from a lottery team on the process: "We didn't want to win this year's lottery. Next year's the one to win. Then after that, you want to be out of the lottery."
Latest On Pistons Coaching Search
After interviewing Maurice Cheeks yesterday, it appears the Pistons are done bringing in coaching candidates, reports Vince Goodwill of the Detroit News. According to Goodwill, Detroit's front office appears likely to decide on a new head coach "relatively soon."
In addition to Cheeks, the Pistons have interviewed a list of candidates that is believed to include Nate McMillan, Lindsey Hunter, Mike Budenholzer, J.B. Bickerstaff, and Darrell Walker. One report suggested the team also planned to interview Brian Shaw, but the Pacers reportedly aren't allowing Shaw to formally meet with any clubs until after Indiana's playoff run ends.
According to Goodwill, the Pistons likely won't wait for the Eastern Conference finals to finish to formally interview Shaw or Heat assistant David Fizdale, though that won't necessarily preclude the club from talking to one or both candidates via phone.
Goodwill also notes that there could have been mutual interest between the Pistons and Larry Drew. Drew, who technically remains under contract with the Hawks for a few more weeks, impressed the Pistons by taking a roster with nine expiring contracts to the playoffs, says Goodwill.
As for Phil Jackon's involvement in the process, Goodwill speculates that the advisory role may have merely been a way for Jackson to get his name back out there, as opposed to an attempt to push one of his preferred candidates to Detroit or strong-arm his way into the Pistons' front office.
"He was in town for a couple days, we spent time together in those couple days," Pistons GM Joe Dumars said of the Zen Master. "We've had a couple conversations since he left town."
Eastern Rumors: Deng, Hollins, Bucks, Raptors
A day after an Eastern Conference team (the Cavs) won the 2013 draft lottery, the Eastern Finals will finally get underway tonight in Miami, as the Pacers look to upset the defending-champion Heat. While we look forward to that game, let's check in on a few updates from around the East….
- Within his piece on the Bulls' free agent options, Aggrey Sam of CSNChicago.com reports that the Cavaliers and Pistons may be among the teams with some interest in trading for Luol Deng.
- In exploring why the Bucks' coaching search might be moving slowly, Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times notes that some NBA officials believe Milwaukee is waiting to talk to Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins. Although Hollins will draw interest from teams with stronger rosters, NBA insiders claim he could still be interested in the Bucks job, since he enjoyed his previous stint in Milwaukee and formed a good rapport with team management, says Woelfel.
- The Raptors expect to hear back from the Nuggets today on whether or not they'll receive permision to speak with Denver GM Masai Ujiri, tweets Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
- Wojnarowski adds in a second tweet that Celtics assistant Tyronn Lue and Rio Grande Valley Vipers head coach Nick Nurse are candidates for an assistant coaching role with the Raptors.
- Pistons GM Joe Dumars told reporters, including David Mayo of MLive.com, that he's happy with the eighth pick in the draft and won't rule out selecting a big man, even though a perimeter player may be more likely.
- Expect the Celtics to draft the best player available if they keep their 16th overall pick, rather than focusing on a specific area of need, writes Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald.
Pistons Notes: Coaching Search, Cheeks, Dumars
After coming away with the eighth pick in June's draft tonight, the Pistons can now turn their attention to their coaching search. Here is the latest on the team's quest to find their next leader.
- The search has been long and cumbersome, as evidenced by the need for the Detroit Free Press to publish and maintain an updated list of candidates – possible and not so possible – for the team's head coaching position.
- According to ESPN's Marc Stein, via Twitter, the Pistons will interview Thunder assistant Maurice Cheeks on Wednesday. Cheeks, who has previously coached the Blazers and Sixers, was linked to the Pistons a month ago and is just the latest in a long line of possibilities for the Detroit job.
- While team president Joe Dumars says that he has no timetable for hiring his next coach, he did insist that the search would not extend into free agency, which starts July 1, writes David Mayo of MLive.com. Said Dumars, "We definitely want to have it done by then. We're not going to drag this out. [Owner Tom Gores] and I have talked about this and we want to turn this over as quick as possible."
Lottery Teams’ Odds To Land Top-Three Pick
The NBA's draft lottery is set to take place tonight, with the league's 14 non-playoff teams vying for a chance at the first overall pick and the opportunity to select a player from a crop of prospects that includes Nerlens Noel, Ben McLemore, and others.
The odds at landing the first overall pick are cited frequently, from the Magic's 25% all the way down to the Jazz's 0.5%. But what chance does each team have to land a top-three pick? Listed in the chart below are the odds each lottery team has at the first, second, and third overall picks, as well as each team's overall odds at landing in the top three.
Central Notes: Cavaliers, Pistons, Draft
A few notes from around the NBA's Central Division.
- The Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto believes the Cavaliers are leaning towards taking Nerlens Noel if they land the first overall pick in Tuesday's upcoming lottery. Cleveland has four draft picks in June's draft but if they can't corral a defensive big man, are still interested in Greg Oden, who's currently rehabbing from a third microfracture surgery and remains an unrestricted free agent.
- Mlive.com's David Mayo takes a look at why the Pistons might be better suited landing with a pick somewhere in the seven or eight range, as opposed to first overall, due to the difference in salary from one to eight, and the amount of money they'd be able to save without giving up much in skill.
- Providence guard Ricky Ledo is no longer expected to work out in New Jersey this week, tweets Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. But according Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press to Ledo has plans to work out for the Pistons.