Special to Page 2
As the NBA moves toward a finale between the Spurs and Pistons, the league's silly season is just getting underway. They call it a "coaching carousel," but with coaches and front office personnel getting hired and fired at a dizzying rate, it looks more like a high-stakes game of musical chairs. Keeping track of all of it can be tricky. Thankfully, Page 2 has put all the news you need to know on this simple, color-coded map.
Hmm … on second thought, maybe a map isn't such a good idea. Why don't you try this "text-only" version – our latest look at news, rumors and plain old scuttlebutt from around the NBA.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Out: Flip Saunders, in February; Kevin McHale, kicked himself back upstairs
In: John Lucas has interviewed twice, and the T-Wolves have looked at current assistants Sidney Lowe, Randy Wittman and Jerry Sichting. But, as columnist Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press was first to report, Spurs assistant P.J. Carlesimo has the inside track. If Carlesimo is in, the T-Wolves will probably keep Latrell Sprewell, as a Carlesimo/Sprewell reunion could be a ratings jackpot for small-market Minnesota.
New York Knicks
Out: Lenny Wilkens, after 81 games; Herb Williams (technically still a candidate, but Zeke needs a splashier hire)
In: It would be easier to list who hasn't been rumored for the job, but here goes:
Phil Jackson was in, then out, and now is back in. Flip Saunders and Nate McMillan both have shots at the gig. Georgia Tech's Paul Hewitt denied he interviewed for the job, so he must have. "PTI" reported that Isiah might hire his old Pistons pal, Bill Laimbeer, while Newsday says Jim O'Brien, fired recently by the Sixers, is the newest contender.
Oh, also, the Knicks are talking with John Bolton, just in case that whole Ambassador to the United Nations gig doesn't work out.
Portland Trailblazers
Out: Maurice Cheeks, back to the land of Cheesesteaks.
In: John Nash, Portland's general manager, signed a contract extension last week, ending rumors of his ouster. Now, with the No. 3 pick in the draft, Nash needs a coach. Saunders is mentioned most often for the job (mostly by Saunders' agent), but we'll pick a long shot – Dwane Casey, a rising star on McMillan's Sonics staff. After all, Portland has an inferiority complex when it comes to all things Seattle.
Philadelphia 76ers
Out: Randy Ayers, Chris Ford, Jim O'Brien … did we forget anyone?
In: Billy King – still in as GM. We have absolutely no idea why.
Orlando Magic
Out: Johnny Davis, in March; Chris Jent, as interim coach; John Weisbrod, as general manager; the team, from Florida?
Weisbrod left to resume his hockey career. You have to wonder about the health of your franchise when guys leave for greener pastures in the NHL.
In: Brian Hill is getting a second shot. Let's hope he likes barbecue. Unless the Magic get a new arena, the team will be in Kansas City's Sprint Center when it opens in the fall of 2007.
Seattle SuperSonics
Out: Possibly everyone. After McMillan and general manager Rick Sund, the Sonics must decide on Ray Allen, Vladimir Radmanovic, Jerome James, Antonio Daniels, Vitaly Potapenko, Damien Wilkins and the kid who mops the sweat off the KeyArena floor.