In case you haven’t noticed or happen to be in hibernation from the Clippers, the coaching carousel is starting to turn a bit. We’re not quite at defcon level Ramon Sessions yet, but things seem to be slowly heating up around the league. Let’s take a look at the latest names to be floated around.
- The estimable Steve Perrin over at ClipsNation breaks down the coaching situation and makes some sense out of locking up a coach sooner rather than later. The LeBron James fantasy is fun, but passing up dates with attractive candidates in hopes that the supermodel has your phone number isn’t the smartest strategy.
- A couple of “new” candidates have emerged for a few head coaching jobs. First, Kentucky head coach John Calipari is rumored to have serious interest in Chicago. It’s hard not to imagine Worldwide Wes having something to do with that. Monty Williams’ name is being thrown around as a top candidate in New Orleans.
- Philadelphia isn’t being exactly shy about bringing in people to interview for their opening. They’ve already interviewed Avery Johnson and Doug Collins,but they won’t be interviewing Mark Jackson anytime soon for that opening. Instead, he’ll be auditioning for the spot in New Orleans. The Hornets have been pretty active in their search as well.
- It’s impossible not to be impressed with what the Jazz have done in the playoffs so far. If you want to cherry pick another team’s assistant, you could do far worse than someone who has worked under Jerry Sloan.
- As for the Clippers? Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey will almost certainly interview in the near future. The Clippers have also requested to interview with Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau.
27 Responses
Dont know what to say. Does anybody know if John Lucas is being seriously considered?
Qlippers Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 7:12 am
I think Lucas came over as a one year deal and a favor to dunleavy. Now that his buddy is gone, he has no reason to stay
clipsamba Reply:
May 8th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
The clear evidence of Clippers mediocre mngt.:
They let go Alvin Gentry because they thought he lacks personality.
That’s inspite of a great season(and entertaining one).
I don’t like SUNS. But root for them to win the title because of Mr.Gentry.
There are many skilled coaches who lack NBA grade personality but are capable of taking coaching job with all the seriousness.
We are focusing on Coaches who are easily recognizable. But we lack courage to search for a true genius who’s reserved but capable.
Posted on May 5th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
I actually think Monty Williams could be a good fit here. He’s smart, passionate and young enough to relate to the team. I’m not sure if he’s experienced enough, but if you’re gonna go with an assistant coach, why not at least interview him?
Posted on May 6th, 2010 at 2:09 am
i know its not going to happen, but i cant help but dream of avery johnson grabing chris kaman by his jersey and squacking at him after he makes one of his league leading, “what the hell are you doing?” plays. i have a feeling that we are going to be stuck with an assitant who, like his predecesors, will have no control over the players. its hard out here for a clipper fan…
Posted on May 6th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Hope they start getting a jump on it soon. Wont have top candidates available if we wait too long.
Posted on May 6th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Living on a prayer. Still think Byron Scott needs to come back to L.A…..but to the clippers org.
Posted on May 6th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
I dont get the B Scott fans. He’s a bad coach who wears his players out. We already had one of those.
Posted on May 6th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
I’d still like Mark Jackson to get a shot. He’s a former Clipper that wants to be here and deserves a shot. He was a great leader on the court and I see no reason why he wouldn’t be a great leader on the sidelines. He also learned the game from a ton of great coaches. You’d be hard pressed to find a player that’s played for a better list of coaches than Jackson. He has to have learned a ton from Lou Carnesecca, Rick Patino, Pat Riley, Larry Brown, Lenny Wilkens, Jeff Van Gundy, Larry Bird, Jerry Sloan.
D.J. Foster Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
It’s a little troubling that he’s turning down interviews though, no?
Clipped12 Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 12:02 am
Well, from what I’ve read, he specifically turned down the Sixers job. That team and franchise is a mess. They’re stuck with mediocre players on huge contracts. Not exactly a situation where a coach wants to start out his coaching career. The Sixers are looking for a quick-fix since Stefanski is also on a short leash. I’m not sure anybody out there can turn that franchise around in 1 year.
TNT57 Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 11:28 am
You just described the Clippers.
JM Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Not really. The Clippers are stuck with two pricey (though productive) contracts and three promising rookie-scale guys. And, subjectively speaking, those five players are better than the Sixers’ five best players. History is on the side of Philly, but at the moment, our mess is a lot less hellish than theirs, I think.
Hooch20 Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 4:22 am
I’m sure this has to do with him hiring an agent a few months ago. I think he’s been convinced that the 76ers job is close to a no win situation. He might only get one chance at this head coaching thing and taking over a team with a bunch of players with bloated contracts and no clear direction isn’t the right job.
humbleathletics Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
mark jackson would love to coach the clippers. he said as much before the start of the season. he loves LA and still has kids in school here. he would not turn down an interview here.
however, the Nets job MAY be what he is gunning for. he is a new yorker and was on the broadcast team with the nets for a while. the thought of coaching the brooklyn nets may be what hes looking for.
with that said, i can see him as our head coach next year.
VH Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Mark Jackson has never been a coach at any level. I really think we should go with someone who has experience.
rusbelt Reply:
May 8th, 2010 at 9:09 am
I’m with VH on this.
Pez Reply:
May 9th, 2010 at 8:03 am
agreed…he’s not even a good analyst…i foresee the clippers completely melting down by the 20th game if jackson takes the reigns. Hope i’m wrong of course…
Posted on May 6th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Mark Jackson and Jeff van gundy co-head coaches with a reality show on the E channel where they live in the same house in Compton.
Chris McD Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 9:55 am
I would definitely watch that.
brad Reply:
May 9th, 2010 at 10:32 am
that would be hi larious
Posted on May 6th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
We need a defensive specialist. This team has forgotten that you score when you STOP the other team from scoring. Baron is the worst offender of all.
Posted on May 7th, 2010 at 11:31 am
I don’t see why John Lucas shouldn’t be given a shot… the players seem to like him… he should’ve gotten the go instead of Hughes
Posted on May 7th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Is Dunleavy done as a coach in the NBA for good? There are a handful of teams looking for coaches and I haven’t heard his name come up for any of them. I’m wondering if he’s not available due to his current contract dispute, if he’s just not right for any of the teams who are looking of if he’s just done in the NBA in general.
Cappy Reply:
May 7th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
last line should read “OR if he’s just done in the NBA in general.”
FD Reply:
May 8th, 2010 at 1:07 am
As much as I dislike Dunleavy as a coach, he’s a good talker. I’d guess he’s gonna take a TV job somewhere.
Posted on May 7th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
New website. Same old news. The most outdated website that I’ve seen.
Posted on May 7th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
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