The coaching carousel in the NBA has continued throughout the playoffs with a handful of teams opting to shake things up. The Los Angeles Lakers already found their next head coach in Luke Walton, but there is still a number of vacancies to fill this summer. A couple of the vacancies popped up this week to the surprise of many. Here the latest on the open head coach positions around the NBA and the coaches rumored to fill the new spots.
Sacramento Kings
Rumored Names: Dave Joerger
Sacramento’s coaching situation has been a mess for a long time but they may have found the best possible fit for the job in former Memphis head coach Dave Joerger. There have been persistent rumors surrounding the Kings’ interest in Joerger since the day after he was fired by the Grizzlies and according to ESPN, the two sides have already had a few discussions about the opening. There have been reports that Joerger’s deal with Sacramento could be in the neighborhood of $16 million over three years with a team option for a fourth year. Vlade Divac hasn’t made up his mind just yet but it appears as though the discussions between the two sides are serious. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they got something done soon.
Memphis Grizzlies
Rumored Names: Jeff Hornacek, Ettore Messina, Patrick Ewing, Nate Tibbets, David Fizdale
The Grizzlies have received a lot of criticism for firing Joerger as head coach following an inconsistent season in which they were eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs. However, the brass in Memphis felt it was time to shake things up and the search for Joerger’s replacement is already underway. The Grizzlies have reportedly asked for permission to speak with multiple candidates including former Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek, San Antonio Spurs assistant Ettore Messina, Charlotte Hornets associate head coach Patrick Ewing, Portland Trail Blazers assistant Nate Tibbets and Miami Heat assistant David Fizdale. Memphis also reportedly has a strong interest in former Indiana Pacers’ head coach Frank Vogel and there are many within the media that feel Vogel would be the ideal option.
Indiana Pacers
Rumored Names: Nate McMillan, Brian Shaw, Mark Jackson
Indiana’s surprise decision not to bring back Vogel was criticized even more than the Grizzlies’ decision to relieve Joerger of his duties. Unlike Memphis, there hasn’t been nearly as much conversation about who the Pacers will choose as a replacement. Team president Larry Bird has talked about wanting a new voice in the locker room but he will be hard pressed to find a coach as strong as Vogel. Pacers assistant Nate McMillan and ex-Pacers aide Brian Shaw have been discussed as potential replacements along with former Golden State Warriors’ head coach Mark Jackson but as of now, we don’t know why the change was made and what the Pacers hope to accomplish. That means we know little about the new style or strategy that will be employed, which is why it’s too soon to gauge which coach will get the gig.
Houston Rockets
Rumored Names: Jeff Hornacek, Stephen Silas, Shaka Smart, Bill Self
The Rockets are one of the most intriguing teams with a vacant head coach position because they are one year removed from reaching the Western Conference Finals. There is still a considerable amount of talent on their roster and a new voice could be exactly what Houston needs to bounce back next season. There is a lot of pressure on the ream to find the perfect fit. ESPN reported that the Rockets scheduled an interview with former Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek and Charlotte Hornets assistant Stephen Silas this week. Houston is also reportedly intrigued by the idea of making a strong pitch for a pair of college coaches in Shaka Smart and Bill Self and it will be very interesting to see if they move in that direction. They are looking for someone to take a good team and put them over the top, but they also need a head coach who can come in and earn the respect of the veterans.
