NBA Rumors: Where Will the NBA's Biggest Free-Agent Head Coaches Land?
Usually, the offseason is reserved for the free agents that hit the market looking to cash in. Teams can improve instantly by landing a superstar, or in the case of the Miami Heat a couple of seasons ago, multiple superstars.
But with the likes of Chris Paul and Dwight Howard already off the market, those superstars will be few and far between.
For a change, the free-agent players could be upstaged by the free-agent coaches that are set to hit the market. A quality coach could also be the difference in turning a team around.
Here's a look at the top coaches on the market and their potential destinations.
It's still unknown whether or not Jackson wants to coach again, but he's competitive, and he's always had something inside of him for New York.
Even Jeanie Buss, Jackson's longtime companion, doesn't know what Jackson has up his sleeve, telling the Los Angeles Times:
"“I can’t answer that question,” said Buss, a Lakers executive vice president. “Only he can. Nobody’s called him. Unless somebody calls, we won’t know how to answer that question….
“Don’t even go there,” Buss said. “That’s up to Phil. Whatever he does, he loves the game and he loves the guys that he’s coached. That will never change.”
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He was burned out by the time his last stint with the Lakers ended last season, but the year off may have done him wonders, and he could be back on the sidelines next season.
Prediction: New York Knicks
Larry Brown
It's been 15 months since Brown last coached a team, and according to The New York Daily News, he has a strong desire to return to the bench. He is 71 years old, but he's been a great teacher of the game and could return under the right situation with the opportunity to win a championship.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers
Mike D'Antoni
D'Antoni didn't have much of a shot in New York, but he wants to return to coaching according to a report from Marc Berman of the New York Post, and he will have some opportunities. There could be some teams calling, and one team would be particularly interesting. With John Wall running the point and Nene in the post, Washington could be a great spot for D'Antoni's offense, especially with Wall running the point.
Prediction: Washington Wizards
Nate McMillan
McMillan is a solid head coach and has always been liked by his players despite a rough ending to his tenure in Portland. He told Steve Kelly of the Seattle Times that he definitely wants another head coaching job.
There could be opening in places such as Charlotte and Toronto, but a sleeper could be New Jersey, where current coach Avery Johnson has produced very little in the form of results so far.
Prediction: New Jersey Nets
There are plenty of other names who will come up as well, including Jerry Sloan, Jeff Van Gundy, Flip Saunders and many others. This offseason will definitely be one to keep an eye on the men behind the bench.
