NBA Rumor Wire: Head Coaching Carousel
With many NBA franchise's seasons over, it is now time for the familiar head coaching limbo that everyone knows and loves. This year, there are quite a few names that are on the hot seat, and I have the rumors regarding their, and other NBA players, future in the NBA.
George Karl
Despite his Nugget's 0-4 loss in the first round to the red-hot Lakers, Karl will return as Denver's head coach in the 2009 season.
"The players, they drive me crazy, but they are also loved by me. For three or four years, we haven't figured out that journey we want -- and that's winning in the playoffs. It's very frustrating. But if you look at the ledger of good and bad, the (good) side's going to be three times as long."
Karl said that he will take a new approach to his coaching style this year, planning on being more of a "disciplinarian":
"The last couple of years, the freedom, in a way, I think the players have kind of done it their way more often than doing it my way. It's going to be drifting toward more my way...But I'm not going to say it's going to be demanding and dictatorial. ... Most of the stuff we're talking about is little things of professionalism."
P.J. Carlesimo
According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Carlesimo's future with the Sonics remains unclear. Seattle GM Sam Presti was asked about his head coaches future three times during the playoffs, he would not deny or confirm Carlesimo's return.
The focus of the Seattle ball club appears to be on the draft, where they have two first round picks, and a total of six picks.
Byron Scott
Scott will coach another year. Or five. Says Hornet's owner George Shinn:
"We will begin negotiations when the season ends. We have a tremendous team, and Coach has done a tremendous job. We have to keep everyone intact to keep this going."
Avery Johnson
Johnson was fired recently following a first round ousting by the young New Orleans Hornets. So far, the Chicago Bulls have only had interviews with Rick Carlisle and Mark Jackson.
Wednesday was a good day for Chicago GM Jon Paxson. Not only was Johnson fired, but it was rumored that Mike D'Antoni might walk away from his two-year contract with the Phoenix Suns. Both coaches are drawing interest from Chicago.
Milwaukee Bucks
New Bucks coach Scott Skiles confirmed his coaching staff on Wednesday to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Jim Boylan, Lionel Collins, Kelvin Sampson, and Joe Wolf will make up his staff for this next season.
Contracts have not yet been negotiated.
Jason Kidd
Despite being traded to the Mavericks to help them win this year—which didn't happen—Kidd wants to remain in Dallas and finish what he started.
"I'm an employee of the Mavericks, and I enjoy being back here and the challenge of winning. It's not at the point of pulling the plug on this. I think we have a chance to be very successful."
