Nets looking to appoint replacement for interim coach P.J. Carlesimo.
The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly looking to Phil Jackson as a possible replacement for outgoing interim coach P.J. Carlesimo.
Following their Eastern Conference first round elimination at the hands of the Chicago Bulls, the Nets have decided not to extend Carlesimo’s stay, and will now begin the search for his replacement.
Amongst the reported list of candidates are the likes of Larry Brown and Brian Shaw, but a source has told ESPN that former Los Angeles Lakers coach Jackson tops that list.
Jackson is the league’s all-time coaching leader with 11 titles, with successful stints with both the Lakers and the Chicago Bulls through the 1980s and 90s. During those eras, he compiled a regular season record of 1,155-485 over 20 seasons and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.
According to reports, Nets general manager Billy King is understood to be willing to call Jackson, but accepts he isn’t likely to agree to a coaching deal with a role in the front office a more appealing proposition at this stage in his career.
The 67-year-old has been in high demand already this off-season, with speculation suggesting he is currently working with the Detroit Pistons in a consultancy role as they begin their own search for a new coach, following the dismissal of Lawrence Frank.
There are also on-going links with former team the Lakers, who will be assessing their future moves after a disappointing post season campaign which ended in a series sweep to the San Antonio Spurs.
As the reported offers continue to roll in for Jackson, it remains to be seen whether his future lies in Brooklyn or elsewhere. However, according to these latest reports, the Nets have identified him as a front-runner to join the organisation in some capacity.
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