THE only mystery surrounding the final frames of the regular season is whether a coach is fired before Isiah Thomas.
If Knicks president Donnie Walsh wants to be first on the NBA block to begin reversing his team’s suffering, he’d best have his ax blade sharpened and in the wield position because inexperienced heads are about to roll.
Barring divine intervention, Larry Krystkowiak, Marc Iavaroni and Jim Boylan are days away from dismissal by the Bucks, Grizzlies and Bulls, respectively.
Two others on Uneasy Street, Lawrence Frank and Sam Vincent, recently received votes of confidence – from Nets president Rod Thorn and Bobcats owner Bob Johnson, respectively.
Showing no onions or the ability to identify new head-coaching substance, the decision makers at Milwaukee, Memphis and Chicago are rounding up the same old suspects as replacements either because they’re managing scared or they’re appeasing owrnership.
The names rollirng off the lips of Sen. Herb Kohl, Michael Heisley and Jerry Reinsdorf are almost Identical – Larry Brown, Scott Skiles, Rick Carlisle, Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Fratello. The above owners may not insist (newly appointed GM) John Hammond, Chris Wallace (if not supplanted by Next Town) and John Paxson hire their exact choicer, but, guaranteed, it’ll turn out to be one of those five; Heisley is the lone owner of the three looking to do things relatively on the cheap.
Hammond, who’s bringing Jeff Weltman with him from Detroit (Sonics assistant GM Scott Perry will return to the Pistons where he worked for seven seasons) has a connection with Brown dating back to the Clippers when he assisted him on the sidelines. They also were together in Detroit.
Sources say their relationship is strained, yet they have spoken within the last 72 hours.
“Don’t let that fool you,” a second source underlined. “John is considering either Skiles or Carlisle, no one else.”
Carlisle also is the leading contender to replace Boylan, who moved over 36 inches on the Bulls bench when Skiles was bought out of his contract. Yes, you read it right; bought out of his contract.
Contrary to what you were spoon-fed to believe, Skiles was not fired. He asked out early and often this season, telling superiors he felt he wasn’t the right guy for the job and that he wasn’t getting through to the players anymore. Their approach and the team’s record reflect as much.
Reinsdorf refused to let him walk away from his obligation unless he gave up a portion (I don’t know the forfeited amount) of his remaining guarantee.
That’s all from an infallible authority and confirmed by others in the know.
Mark Jackson is on the Bulls’ short list, I’m told, which may not go more than two-deep, three if John Calipari can capitalize on his ultra success at Memphis; I’m sticking to my previous report that maintained Brown never was in the equation.
Though flattered to be on the Bulls’ radar, the ABC/Nets analyst has made it exceedingly clear to confidants he’s captivated by one coaching situation and one only, the Knicks’. There is no second option unless he’s outside the Garden and sees white smoke coming out of Walsh’s office chimney.
Carlisle and Skiles continue to be mentioned as Knicks applicants. I find both implausible. A year ago, Carlisle was fired by Walsh and Pacers president Larry Bird, whereas Skiles duplicated Jeff Van Gundy’s hook slide on the Knicks. Additionally, I don’t recall any special chemistry between Jamal Crawford and Eddy Curry and their ex-coach when they were in Chicago.
Should Carlisle get hired by the Bulls that almost certainly would mean Skiles would wind up with Milwaukee.
That leaves Memphis still on the prowl. As reported two weeks ago, Brown is being recruited in the dual capacity as president/coach. I can see him passing since the money is funny and the winning ain’t easy. Or at least hide and watch to see what happens to Mike Woodson and Billy Knight in Atlanta, and whether Vincent is retained in Charlotte.
Should Brown be out, that leaves second-hand Skiles. If he’s committed elsewhere by then, it actually may force Heisley and Wallace to be bold and/or creative.
Surely Lionel Hollins deserves an opportunity.
Which team is going to be smart enough to make it worth Jeff Hornacek to get into coaching full time?
I can’t think of a better time to recruit Hall of Famer Adrian Dantley away from the Nuggets.
I thought Terry Porter had what it takes to become another Nate McMillian when Kohl ordered him discharged (citing team defense . . . as if it’s improved any since) after his second season in Milwaukee.
Tom Thibodeau’s effect on the Celtics’ defensive plot is conspicuous.
I thought the Raptors overachieved when Hornets assistant Darrell Walker was in charge.
Give Paul Westphal a team without Vin Baker undermining it and check out what he’s capable of doing.
How long will Kurt Rambis’ brief bit with the Lakers be held against him?
Shouldn’t Jim Cleamons get another chance after being submarined in Dallas by Don Nelson?
Shouldn’t Clifford Ray got his first chance? How about his first interview?
Get me Paul Silas, Rick Pitino, Derek and Ron Harper on the phone.
Rather than recycle the same old, same old, why not resurrect Butch Carter, Frankie Johnson and Jerry Tarkanian?