Atlantic Links: Raptors, Nets, Sixers, Celtics
After a night without NBA action, the headlines are a little scarce on this Friday morning. But there are still a handful of notable links to round up, particularly out of the Atlantic Division….
- It's not clear what's holding up MLSE's decision on whether or not to pick up Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo's 2013/14 option, says Eric Koreen of the National Post. As ownership weighs the Colangelo decision, it's possible that his potential replacements are being courted by other teams, according to Koreen.
- The Nets may not be able to bring back all of their productive bench players, with Andray Blatche and C.J. Watson potentially heading for free agency. However, as Michael Scotto of RealGM.com writes, Brooklyn's starting lineup is under contract for multiple years, so the team should get a chance to continue developing chemistry and consistency next season.
- Former 76ers coach Larry Brown is coaching college ball at SMU, but tells Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Daily News that he still lives in Philadelphia and that "I'd love to be a resource [for the Sixers] any way I can." The Sixers are currently seeking a new head coach, and could also be exploring hiring a new general manager.
- The Celtics' ability to contend over the next several seasons will hinge on Kevin Garnett's future, writes Justin Barrasso of WEEI.com.
Atlantic Notes: Nets, Van Gundy, Sixers, Celtics
Stan Van Gundy's name has been linked to the head coaching search in Milwaukee and the potential opening in Los Angeles, should the Clippers part ways with Vinny Del Negro, but it doesn't appear he'll be targeted by the Nets. ESPN.com's Chris Broussard reported earlier this week that Van Gundy wasn't on Brooklyn's list, and Chris Mannix of SI.com echoed that report on Mike Bianchi's Open Mike radio show in Orlando.
"I've spoken to sources who've told me … Stan Van Gundy is not a candidate," Mannix said. "It's possible that Jeff Van Gundy could get a call, but from what I understand Stan Van Gundy is not a top candidate for that job."
Here are a few more notes from around the Atlantic Division:
- A source tells Josh Newman of SNY.tv that there's a 90-95% chance of 2011 second-rounder Bojan Bogdanovic joining the Nets for the 2013/14 season. Earlier in the week, GM Billy King indicated he was hoping to bring Bogdanovic stateside this year.
- Sixers players won't be deciding on the team's next head coach, but if they did have a vote, it sounds as if it would go to current assistant Michael Curry. As John N. Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes, both Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner endorsed Curry for the position.
- Most of the interviews conducted by the Sixers as they search for a new coach will take place during or after next week's predraft camp in Chicago, according to Tom Moore of PhillyBurbs.com.
- Will the long-rumored Celtics' rebuild finally get underway in earnest this summer? Stephen Brotherson of HoopsWorld makes a case for why the C's should let things ride with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett for one more year.
- In an Insider-only piece for ESPN.com, Broussard spoke to one of the NBA's top assistant coaches about the most desirable current or potential head coaching jobs this summer. The unnamed assistant ranked the Nets' job as the top option, with the Raptors and Sixers coming in at fifth and sixth, respectively.
Atlantic Notes: Nets, Jackson, Colangelo, Celtics
With the 2013 draft lottery less than two weeks away, no division has less invested in the outcome of the ping-pong balls than the Atlantic — the Celtics, Nets, and Knicks are already locked into their first-round picks, having made the playoffs, while the Sixers and Raptors, at 11th and 12th in the lottery standings, each have less than a 3% chance of jumping into the top three. The Raps have likely already resigned themselves to giving up their pick, since it will be sent to the Thunder unless it lands in the top three.
Here are a few more Wednesday notes out of the Atlantic:
- Discussions between the Nets and Phil Jackson didn't get far, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com, who describes the conversations as "very limited" (Twitter link). Jackson simply wasn't interested in the role the Nets presented, says Shelburne.
- No decisions were announced on Tuesday, but Bryan Colangelo met with the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment brass to discuss the team and Colangelo's future, as Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun writes. Resolution on whether or not the Raptors will pick up Colangelo's 2013/14 option is expected soon.
- Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald breaks down the Celtics' roster position by position, noting that the makeup of next season's team will depend in large part on what happens with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
Decisions On Colangelo, Casey Expected Soon
It's been nearly three weeks since the Raptors played their last game of the 2012/13 season, but the futures of general manager Bryan Colangelo and head coach Dwane Casey are still up in the air. Both men figure to receive some clarity this week, however, as Colangelo is scheduled to meet tomorrow with the team's decision-makers, according to Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun (via Twitter).
Both Wolstat and Doug Smith of the Toronto Star note that the team has been silent over the last couple weeks, particularly in regard to Colangelo's and Casey's futures. However, Wolstat tweets that a decision is expected to come shortly after tomorrow's meeting, while Smith says it should happen at some point this week.
Casey has one more guaranteed year remaining on his contract, and the Raptors have a team option on Colangelo for '13/14. Although the belief at season's end was that both Colangelo and Casey would get one last chance to make the Raps a playoff team next season, MLSE's hiring of Tim Leiweke as president and CEO complicated matters. Leiweke has a strong relationship with Phil Jackson, which has led to reports that Toronto is pursuing Jackson with the intent of offering him control of the Raptors' basketball operations.
Colangelo has been the head of the Raptors' basketball ops since February of 2006, while Casey has coached the team to a 57-91 record over the course of his two seasons in Toronto. Colangelo stated after the season that if his '13/14 option was exercised by the Raps, Casey would return as the team's head coach.
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.
Odds & Ends: Curry, Wolves, Ayon, Nash, Raptors
After Stephen Curry delivered the most electrifying one man performance of the 2013 playoffs, Timberwolves fans have been reminded of David Kahn's decision in the 2009 draft to take Jonny Flynn with the sixth overall pick instead of Curry. Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN (via Twitter) was reminded today of Kahn's reasoning: the GM was in his first year and got scared by Curry cancelling his workout in Minnesota. At the same time, he fell in love with the Syracuse standout. Here's more from around the Association..
- Bucks forward Gustavo Ayon expects his team option to be exercised and is looking forward to returning, despite speculation surrounding his future in the NBA, agent Emilio Duran told RealGM's Shams Charania. Ayon saw limited playing time in Milwaukee and the club holds a $1.5MM option on him for next year.
- With Lakers guard Steve Nash is on the books for 2014, Arash Markazi of ESPNLosAngeles (on Twitter) suggests that GM Mitch Kupchak should call the Raptors and gauge their interest in the Canadian. Nash is owed $9.3MM next season and $9.7MM in 2014/15.
- Former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy opined that the Hawks were unwise to let coach Mike Woodson go in 2010, writes Neil Best of Newsday.
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.
Odds & Ends: Mayo, Larkin, Collison, Raptors
Patrick Beverley was a surprise starter for the Rockets tonight, and his performance was even more astounding, as he racked up 16 points, 12 rebounds and six assists to help Houston come within three points of beating the top-seeded Thunder at home. Beverley was playing in Russia at the beginning of the season, and didn't make his NBA debut until he completed a week-long stint in the D-League after the Rockets signed him in January. His play tonight underscores the importance of seemingly under-the-radar transactions. As always, we'll keep track of NBA moves both great and small, and here's the latest:
- The Jazz may make a strong push to sign O.J. Mayo this summer, HoopsWorld's Steve Kyler hears (Twitter link). Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors wrote in March that Mayo could command better than the full mid-level, though that was before the shooting guard's April slump.
- Last week Chad Ford of ESPN.com heard University of Miami sophomore Shane Larkin was leaning toward entering the draft, but Larkin tweets that his decision is still up in the air, and that he'll make an announcement Sunday evening.
- Darren Collison probably won't return to the Mavericks unless he accepts a backup role, writes Tim McMahon of ESPN.com, who nonetheless believes Collison should be a well-paid backup, projecting that he'll sign a four-year, $15MM deal.
- There are plenty of philosophical differences between Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo and coach Dwane Casey, but ownership wouldn't look kindly upon Colangelo if he fired his third coach in less than five years, observes Eric Koreen of the National Post.
- Michael Jordan has hired four coaches, but none of them have lasted as long as three seasons, leading Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer to wonder if Jordan and the Bobcats front office are more deserving of blame than former coach Mike Dunlap.