Compiled by Pro Basketball News
ProBasketballNews.com
Sources indicated yesterday New York Knicks president Donnie Walsh is torn on whether to offer the job to the star coach available, Mike D'Antoni, or take a slight gamble on someone with no head-coaching experience, Mark Jackson. New York Post
Last night Walsh, through a spokesman, emphatically said he has not offered the job to anybody, contrary to a report. New York Post
D'Antoni's agent Warren LeGarie admits the Knicks' money could be the deciding factor if owner James Dolan is willing to spend it. Dolan has told commissioner David Stern he will spend what it takes to get the Knicks out of their laughingstock ways. New York Post
Contacted yesterday, (Stephon) Marbury, rehabbing in Los Angeles, did not give an endorsement of either coaching candidate. New York Post
ESPN.com reported yesterday that the Knicks were preparing "a staggering offer" to D'Antoni. But signals out of the Garden are they're waiting, presumably to see what the Bulls are offering. New York Post
"The way I look at it, Mark Jackson could reach Stephon Marbury," said a person who knows both men. "Stephon will be a big part of the equation if the Knicks are looking to be competitive. He's in the last year of his contract he's got to play well or he is done. Mark is a point guard and a New York City guy. I think Jackson would get automatic respect from Marbury." New York Daily News
Walsh also has expressed interest in talking to Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau, whose stock is soaring after Boston has shut down LeBron James in two playoff games. New York Daily News
The Bulls, who remain very much interested in D'Antoni, have yet to extend him a contract offer. A source close to the team's search said general manager John Paxson is sticking to his plan and not worrying about how much time it takes for the process to play out -- even if a bona fide candidate such as D'Antoni is hired elsewhere while Paxson is interviewing others. Chicago Sun-Times
Paxson is believed to remain interested in talking with Avery Johnson, who was fired by the Dallas Mavericks last week, as well as some assistant coaches on playoff teams, such as the Boston Celtics' Tom Thibodeau. Chicago Sun-Times
The whole situation holds the Suns organization hostage. If D'Antoni is leaving, Phoenix won't be able to begin a search or try again to repair the internal disconnect until he has finalization elsewhere. There are no other teams involved at this time, because Dallas moved on when D'Antoni was unavailable and Toronto never was a factor with Sam Mitchell in place. Arizona Republic
The Mavericks, (Rick) Carlisle and his agent were working out details of the agreement Thursday night, and an expected news conference today may be pushed back to allow for the deal to be completed. Dallas Morning News
There are no serious snags, apparently, meaning Carlisle is on schedule to become the new coach. It's a matter of attorneys clarifying details of the deal. Dallas Morning News
Kiki Vandeweghe officially became Rod Thorn's likely heir apparent this afternoon, when the Nets announced that former Denver executive has been given a long-term contract with the title of general manager. Newark Star-Ledger
The deal is for four years at a slight wage increase from predecessor Ed Stefanski's old salary ($1.7 million), which will keep Vandeweghe in the organization two years past the expiration of Thorn's contract in 2010 - even though the venerable Nets president, who turns 67 in two weeks, has not given any indication that he is close to retirement. Newark Star-Ledger
"We like the guys we have, we like our free agents and we'd like to be able to keep them," he said, alluding to Boki Nachbar, Nenad Krstic, and DeSagana Diop. "The way the league is structured now, you've got so many young players you've got to focus on improving on the guys you got. That's going to be a major focus this summer: investing in our assets and getting a great developmental program going." Newark Star-Ledger
In his annual postseason news conference, Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld said his summer priorities are to retain Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, praised the coaching efforts of Eddie Jordan and his staff, and listed health, continuity and the development of the team's young players as keys to next season. Washington Post
Grunfeld said he understands the frustration felt by some Wizards fans who want him to make drastic changes but believes the team can be competitive in the playoffs if key players such as Arenas, Jamison and Caron Butler stay healthy. Washington Post
Center Etan Thomas, who missed the entire season following open-heart surgery, is expected to return at full speed by the opening of training camp. Washington Post
We talked in the locker room after the game," said Celtics forward Kevin Garnett. "And the mindset is one [game] at a time. We want to focus on trying to get this first win in Cleveland. We talked about some of the things that worked tonight, obviously ball movement, rebounding, communication, and then our defense obviously has to be there. We are going into a hostile building and we know that they play really well at home, they have a lot of confidence at home, and they play with tremendous energy at home. Easier said than done, but some way some how we have to carry this energy over and take one game at a time.” Boston Globe
(Mike) Brown is going to have to make some personnel adjustments in my opinion. I believe Devin Brown needs to play, as I have written several times. Also, Daniel Gibson and Delonte West are a combined 5-of-23 and 1-of-8 on 3-pointers. If they do not get it going soon, I would consider Damon Jones. Mike has abandoned him because of defensive issue, but the Cavs offense needs 3-point shooting so badly to be successful. Though I doubt it will happen. Not that these really will turn the tide, LeBron needs to return to form for there to be any chance. Ohio.com
As work continues on finalizing the contracts of their assistant coaches for next season, the Milwaukee Bucks announced Thursday that point guard Mo Williams had undergone successful surgery to repair ligament damage in his right thumb. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Meanwhile, general manager John Hammond said Thursday that the Bucks were very close to completing the contracts of assistant coaches Jim Boylan, Lionel Hollins, Kelvin Sampson and Joe Wolf for next season. According to Hammond, those contracts could be finalized as early as today. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
The average ratings for NBA playoff games are up 21% on ABC-TV, 25% on ESPN and 16% on TNT, compared to the same stretch of games last season. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
The Sonics added assistant general manager Troy Weaver to their front office Thursday. Weaver had been the director of player personnel for the Utah Jazz. Seattle Times
There were reports that Spurs assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey would interview soon for Atlanta’s vacant general manager spot. Lindsey said before Thursday night’s game at the AT&T Center that he heard about the reports, but had not heard from anyone in Atlanta and did not believe anyone in the Spurs organization had been asked for permission to speak with him. San Antonio Express-News
For the first time this series Thursday, the Spurs went into halftime behind. The Hornets led 56-54 at the break, and the Spurs had to score five points in the final 2.9 seconds to get that close. San Antonio Express-News
“They’ve got pride,” New Orleans’ Tyson Chandler said. “They’re the defending champs and they came out and played their game with their back to the wall.” San Antonio Express-News
Chauncey Billups spent almost all Wednesday night in the trainer's room. He was there Thursday, when the rest of the Detroit Pistons took the court to practice. And he'll be there most of Friday, too. Associated Press
"He's going to have stuff he's never seen before," said Arnie Kander, Detroit's strength and conditioning coach. "We're going to hit him with a barrage of different things -- we're going to do 7-8 treatments a day, pretty much around the clock." Associated Press
"That's going to be a decision Arnie and him are going to have to make," Detroit coach Flip Saunders said. "If he's ready to go he's going to play. If he doesn't go it's more than likely that he's not going to be able to function at a high enough percentage to where it's going to matter if he plays or not." Associated Press
After general manager Billy Knight delivered an abrupt resignation on Tuesday, Hawks ownership is expected to reach out to several candidates, including Billy King and Bernie Bickerstaff, NBA sources said. Yahoo Sports
The signs of progress were visible through Heat forward Dorell Wright's grin as he talked Thursday about the strides he has made while recovering from knee surgery that prematurely ended his season. Miami Herald
Provided his recovery continues to go as planned, Wright plans to next do something he hasn't been able to do in his previous four seasons in Miami: Become a reliable long-term option in the Heat's playing rotation. Miami Herald
But Wright's agent, Calvin Andrews, anticipates this 6-9 swingman will still attract some suitors. Wright said he is ''about a month'' from resuming basketball workouts. He had considered playing in the July NBA Summer League until the Heat's staff advised him to sit out. Miami Herald
The last minute of an NBA playoff game is a series of timeouts and whistles and bitching and moaning. It's officials calling fouls that didn't happen and ignoring fouls that did. It's Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy proving how smart he is by calling timeout to orchestrate every last dribble. CBS Sports
It takes forever. Watching an NBA playoff game -- and this gets more and more true as the postseason gets deeper -- is like watching two different sports. For 47 minutes it's a professional basketball game, in all its fast-moving, spontaneous glory. And then for the final minute it becomes a cross between chess and sumo wrestling. The coaches become Boris Spassky. The players become spastic. The officials become stupid. CBS Sports
The officials are helpless, because the game has slipped completely out of control. For 47 minutes, players do their damnedest not to foul, because they want to be around for No. 48. But in that final minute, they foul constantly. CBS Sports
Ed Stefanski said he has a number of off-season priorities, but deciding the future of 76ers point guard Andre Miller isn't at the top of the list. Philadelphia Inquirer
That doesn't mean the Sixers' president and general manager doesn't value Miller's huge contributions. It's just that because Miller is signed through the 2008-2009 season and can't be a free agent until afterward, Stefanski can focus on other issues. Philadelphia Inquirer
Jim O'Brien said his relationship with Jamaal Tinsley is fine, but the Indiana Pacers coach isn't sure he can depend on the point guard to be his floor leader any longer. Indianapolis Star
"To say as a coach we're going to go with him as our point guard despite the injuries, you can't do that," O'Brien said during a phone interview Wednesday. "I would love to see him healthy, but that has not been the track record. It's very, very difficult to depend on him when, physically, he's been undependable. When he's on the court, we know what we're going to get. He's a great assist guy, he runs the fast break great. But based on the track record of physical ailments, how much can you depend on him?" Indianapolis Star
The Pacers have said publicly that they need help at point guard and in the frontcourt, but it's not certain they will select a player at either of those positions in the June 26 draft. Indianapolis Star
David Morway was promoted to (Pacers) general manager. He will oversee the salary cap and assist president Larry Bird with all personnel decisions. Indianapolis Star
As the Rockets contemplate offseason roster changes, they're also contemplating a historic hire: selecting the successors -- or successor -- for longtime radio voices Gene Peterson and Jim Foley. Houston Chronicle
Rockets CEO Tad Brown said Thursday that Joel Blank, the team's director of broadcasting, is collecting audition tapes from candidates. He said he hopes to make a decision on the position or positions by the end of July. Houston Chronicle
Brown also said he will give "every opportunity" to Craig Ackerman, who has worked for the Rockets for 13 years (the last five as studio host) and joined Peterson for the last portion of the regular season and playoffs after Foley underwent surgery. Houston Chronicle
If the Halifax Rainmen get into the NBA Development League, it’s unlikely it will happen in time for the 2008-09 season. Halifax Metro News
D-League president Dan Reed visited Halifax yesterday to assess the Rainmen as a potential expansion franchise, and addressed media briefly at Province House in the afternoon. Halifax Metro News
Working in Halifax’s favor is the fact it could provide a more nearby minor-league alternative for NBA teams such as the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks. Halifax Metro News
Reed also said the amount of interest from cities wanting to join the D-League is at an “all-time high.” Portland, Me., and Harlem, N.Y., are among those believed to be in the mix, which would help ease concerns about Halifax’s location. Halifax Metro News
MAY 7
Mike D'Antoni has told John Paxson he wants to be the Bulls' next coach, according to sources. Whether Paxson has the same wish remains to be seen after the Bulls' general manager spent parts of Sunday and Monday with the Suns' coach in Phoenix. Chicago Tribune
First, Paxson, accompanied by director of player personnel Gar Forman, interviewed (Nuggets assistant Mike) Dunlap on Saturday in Denver. Then, after Suns general manager Steve Kerr reversed course and granted D'Antoni permission to interview, Paxson moved on to Phoenix. Chicago Tribune
Paxson also is keeping mum but was said to enjoy his meeting with D'Antoni. New Knicks President Donnie Walsh followed Paxson to Phoenix for his sit-down with D'Antoni. Mark Jackson, whom Paxson also has interviewed, is still considered the front-runner for the Knicks' job.
Paxson, though, still plans to interview Avery Johnson, recently fired by Dallas. In other words, stay tuned. Chicago Tribune
No, the question isn't whether D'Antoni stays or goes, it's who replaces him. Doug Collins doesn't want the job. Rick Carlisle is in line to become the next Dallas Mavericks coach. Kerr isn't interested in Avery Johnson. East Valley Trbune
Jeff Van Gundy? While defending D'Antoni in a recent interview with the Tribune, he torched owner Robert Sarver and Phoenix's bench players. That's not exactly a prerequisite for a positive job interview. East Valley Trbune
If Kerr strikes gold and the Suns win a title, he'll be hailed as the GM who had the guts to let a successful coach go. But if D'Antoni's replacement strikes out while D'Antoni is winning 60 games with the Bulls, Kerr will be ripped for not letting the coach have his way. East Valley Trbune
sWhile Dunlap joked he's a "Clydesdale" in the Chicago coaching race, he didn't speak that way about Arizona. Even though it's not the top job, Dunlap said "there's interest" because of a relationship with (Lute) Olson dating to the mid-1990s. Rocky Mountain News
Dunlap, who coached Metro State to two Division II national titles in nine years before joining the Nuggets, recently has been linked to several college coaching jobs. He said he was contacted by Stanford regarding the job that eventually went to Johnny Dawkins, and last month, California athletic director Sandy Barbour interviewed him in Denver for the job that went to Mike Montgomery. Rocky Mountain News
(Paul) Pierce admittedly still looks on the (LeBron) James matchup with an antsy kind of anticipation. Boston Herald
Paul had to take more on himself before, because there wasn’t anyone else, especially last year,” (Doc) Rivers said. “I think that’s in the past, where Paul thinks he has to do it by himself. Paul has done a great job this year trusting his teammates.” Boston Herald
“My role defensively is going to be huge,” Pierce said. “It will be on me to make him slow down, even just to lower his field-goal percentage. Definitely I have my work cut out for me.” Boston Herald
“I want to be more aggressive in this series than I was during the season,” said Pierce, thinking back to his pedestrian numbers against Cleveland during the regular season. “A lot of it comes down to how I play against him." Boston Herald
The Pistons made a few bad plays but they didn't toss the ball away like Orlando did. And they sure didn't miss as many clutch shots as Rashard Lewis. If the Magic are trying to beat the Pistons by bombing away, they can't throw it away, committing 19 turnovers to Detroit's 10. Detroit News
The Magic's duo had a nice game, but in the closing minutes, even after Billups' bump and Hamilton's misfires, the Pistons made more plays. Detroit News
"A lot of times, our greatest strength is our greatest weakness," Flip Saunders said. "Our strength is our guards, and they went through a stretch where they were a weakness. But down the stretch, they were a strength again. It's not for lack of confidence." Detroit News
Yes, the Magic got jobbed on that end-of-third-quarter clock screw up that allowed Chauncey Billups to get a 3-point basket that should not have happened, but that didn't decide the game. Not by any stretch, so stop crying about it. Orlando Sentinel
If the Spurs are going to do what they've never done before -- if they're going to win a playoff series they trail two games to none, and stem this tide of alley-oops and layups and shockingly thorough blowouts -- then a few guys have to do for (Tim) Duncan what he's so often done for them. This time they have to be the difference-makers. San Antonio Express-News
Manu Ginobili, perhaps still suffering from a calf injury, couldn't work his usual magic. Even when Tony Parker got to the rim, he was often greeted by a defender waiting to swat his shot into the first row. Bruce Bowen couldn't keep up with Chris Paul, (Francisco) Oberto couldn't stay in front of (David) West, and Michael Finley wasn't long enough for Peja Stojakovic. San Antonio Express-News
The Jazz could look to hammer the Lakers inside, which they set out to do in Game 1. (Carlos) Boozer had seven points and six rebounds in the first quarter against Gasol and said Monday he thought a breakthrough game was coming if he could just stay out of foul trouble. Salt Lake Tribune
"We need to play inside-out," Boozer said, calling it a key to the series, "I think we have an advantage there and we need to continue to go inside and make them work inside." Salt Lake Tribune
The Lakers showed that they will defend (Deron) Williams differently than the Rockets did in the first round. They put a lot of pressure on the guys Williams wants to pass the ball to, and attempt to deny entry passes. They accomplished their goal of pushing the Jazz's offense far away from the basket, keeping them from attempting close-range shots. Deseret News
Andrew Bynum is getting another medical opinion on his left knee and could undergo surgery depending on the results of an exam Wednesday with knee specialist Steven Gecha in Princeton, N.J. Los Angeles Times
Surgery could delay a contract extension for Bynum, who is signed for one more season at $2.8 million but can begin negotiating in July an extension of up to five additional years and about $80 million. Los Angeles Times
Asked what attributes his successor would have in a perfect world, (Avery) Johnson said the new coach would need a strong grip on reality. Dallas Morning News
"I think there's a lot of work to be done," Johnson said. "Mark (Cuban) and Donnie (Nelson) realize that there's some holes that are going to be have to be filled."
The Mavericks must decide if there is a reasonable market for players such as Josh Howard, Jason Terry and/or Jerry Stackhouse. Those are trade chips of varying value. But it's about all the Mavericks have to dangle unless they want to make a serious change in philosophy and trade Dirk Nowitzki or admit the Jason Kidd trade was a mistake and deal him. Kidd enters the final year of his contract, worth $21 million. Dallas Morning News
Meanwhile, some of the prominent names around the league who could be on the trading block are the LA Clippers' Corey Maggette, Sacramento's Ron Artest and Charlotte's Gerald Wallace or Jason Richardson. Dallas Morning News
Beyond trade scenarios, the remaining free agents who might intrigue the Mavericks include Chicago's Chris Duhon, Denver's Eduardo Najera, Golden State's Matt Barnes and Mickael Pietrus, Miami's Earl Barron and Utah's C.J. Miles.
Michael Gearon Jr., one of the Hawks' eight owners, said the group would take a few days to savor this season before evaluating what would be best for the next, including whether to bring back coach Mike Woodson. Associated Press
Hawks coach Mike Woodson and his staff have contracts that end June 30, and Hawks general manager Billy Knight is in a similar situation, with the team holding an option on his contract for next season. Atlanta Journal Constitution
"I don't know what to do with myself, man," (Al) Horford said Monday as he walked down a corridor to his car. "I know we lost, but I just don't know what to do with myself. You're just done." Atlanta Journal Constitution
Woodson and Knight aren't even on speaking terms, and haven't been since it came to light that Knight recommended to ownership at the February trade deadline that Woodson be fired -- a recommendation rebuffed by ownership. Atlanta Journal Constitution
Woodson said Monday that the Hawks' first step toward getting back to the playoffs next season is to make sure (Josh) Smith and (Josh) Childress are kept in the fold. He wouldn't comment specifically on his status or his working relationship, or lack thereof, with Knight, saying only that he didn't want to disrespect the accomplishments of his team. Atlanta Journal Constitution
Heat guard Dwyane Wade began the next step in his rehabilitation from March shock treatment on his troublesome left knee Monday in Chicago. South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Working in concert with noted independent trainer Tim Grover, new Heat trainer Jay Sabol and Heat therapist Rey Jaffet, Wade is hopeful of receiving full clearance in June to participate with the U.S. entry in the August Beijing Olympics. South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The Pacers are slotted to pick 11th if lottery seeds hold, their earliest selection since picking Erick Dampier 10th in 1996. They believe the draft is the first step to improving. Indianapolis Star
Team president Larry Bird wouldn't divulge names, but he said the Pacers have targeted point guard and center as their primary needs. Indianapolis Star
Bird and members of the Pacers scouting department attended the Portsmouth Invitational earlier this month and will be in Orlando at the pre-draft camp in late May. Then they'll bring in potential draft picks for workouts. Teams can bring in six players, up from four last year, per workout. Teams are allowed two workouts per day. Indianapolis Star
Sonics Chairman Clay Bennett and his Oklahoma partnership will withdraw their motion to include a determination of financial damages in their upcoming trial if it causes Judge Marsha Pechman to think the case needs to be delayed, but the group's attorneys believe the issue should indeed be part of the June ruling. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
In the latest legal brief filed in preparation for the suit between the city of Seattle and Bennett's Professional Basketball Club, Sonics lawyers argue that the city has known all along that a financial rent settlement was part of the lawsuit and the suggestion of a six-month delay last week is merely the latest stall tactic in an attempt to bind the team to a money-losing situation at KeyArena. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Monday's filing makes it clear the Sonics want no part of a delay and will withdraw their motion if a continuance in the trial is part of Pechman's solution. However, the Sonics think their original motion to include a financial determination during the trial remains a valid request. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The New Jersey Nets -- already accustomed to playing their home games alongside a controversial-looking neighbor in Xanadu -- would have a bold design next to their new home under a revised plan unveiled on Monday for the Brooklyn arena. Bergen Record
The schematics released on Monday also include a new look for the Nets’ 18,000-seat arena, described in a press release as featuring a "swooping blue metallic exterior." The design is vaguely reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House in Australia, with less vertical "sails" on the roof — or the 79-year-old Gehry’s own Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Bergen Record
So much for Training Camp in Paradise 2008. While Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof had planned on holding training camp in Maui in October, I've been told the plan is off. I was rooting for Natomas all along anyway. Sacramento Bee
The Edmonton Chill of the International Basketball League have released former Duke University guard Sean Dockery. The 6-foot-2 point guard had been recovering from a knee injury he suffered this past winter. According to the Chill's Web site, Dockery was rehabbing in his hometown of Chicago and had been slated to join the club when the Chill traveled to the Chicago area for their seven-game road trip in June. Pro Basketball News
Copyright 2008 Pro Basketball News. All rights reserved.
RUMORS & NEWS: May 9, 2008
Links from around the pro game
PBN's Minor League Training Camp
August 7-10 n Akron, Ohio
