NBA Rumors: Atlanta Hawks' Best Possible Replacements for Larry Drew

After the Atlanta Hawks were ousted from the playoffs this year by the Boston Celtics, head coach Larry Drew could be let go, according to Kerry Eggers of the Portland Tribune.

Eggers wrote on Tuesday:

"

Once the Blazers get around to hiring a coach, one potential candidate is Larry Drew, Atlanta’s head coach the past two seasons. The Hawks have a team option on Drew’s contract, and word is he is likely to be let go after their first-round elimination in six games by Boston.

"

If the Hawks do indeed let Drew go, who are the best candidates to fill the position in Atlanta? 

Here's a breakdown of the best bets.

3. Patrick Ewing

Patrick Ewing doesn't have any head-coaching experience, but he's one of the all-time greats and he's been a fantastic mentor for big men over the years as an assistant coach (including Dwight Howard). He's worked under Doug Collins and both Stan and Jeff Van Gundy.

Ewing is expected to interview with the Charlotte Bobcats soon, according to ESPN.  

2. Mike D'Antoni

Things obviously didn't work out for Mike D'Antoni in New York, but he led the Phoenix Suns to two Western Conference Finals appearances in 2005 and 2006. He has 388 career wins and a change of scenery may do him well.

The Orlando Sentinel's Brian K. Schmitz tweeted last Friday that D'Antoni would be "very interested" in a vacant Magic coaching job. 

1. Phil Jackson

CBS Sports' Ken Berger recently noted that a source told him Phil Jackson "has the itch" to coach again.

Jeanie Buss told ESPN Radio in L.A. (via I am a GM): "I agree with you (that Jackson has the coaching gene and will coach again one day in some capacity). He's got his energy back...Now how he's going to spend his time? I don't know."

Obviously, if Jackson is available, plenty of teams will be going after him. He's one of the greatest coaches in basketball history and he has more championships rings (11) than fingers.

Jackson would undoubtedly be expensive and would need to have a lot of control as coach, but those issues tend to get swept aside when you look at his resume. He's such a great coach that he would fit with any team.

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