Jun

7

Porter Hired As Suns Coach

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The month-long search for a coach is finally over in Phoenix as according to Andrew Bagnato of the Associated Press, the Phoenix Suns on Saturday hired Detroit Pistons assistant coach Terry Porter to become the team’s next coach, succeeding Mike D’Antoni; Suns general manager Steve Kerr stated that he had come to terms with Porter, of which details were unavailable.? Porter’s hiring was previously reported by ESPN.

Porter is expected to probably sign a 3-year contract, worth around $7 million, and will be introduced at a news conference early next week.? Porter emerged as the clear favorite over such candidates as Houston Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner, Utah Jazz assistant coach Tyrone Corbin and San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer; of the group, Porter was the only one with coaching experience - Porter coached the Milwaukee Bucks for 2 seasons.? Porter will become the 7th Suns coach since 1993, when they made their last NBA Finals appearance.

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Jun

7

Slam Dunk Central Reporter Stephen Rhodes’ 2008 NBA Mock Draft

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??????????????????????? Toronto Raptors

Yesterday I covered the Philadelphia 76ers’ draft needs and who I projected them to draft with their first-round pick.? Today, I cover the Toronto Raptors’ draft needs and will also predict who I think they will draft with their first-round pick.

Toronto Raptors

Draft Position - #17

Needs - Shooting guard, center.? Toronto’s woefully lacking at shooting guard as they have Carlos Delfino and swingman Anthony Parker.? Other than that, they’re lacking.? Meanwhile at center, they have Rasho Nesterovic, Primoz Brezec and Andrea Bargnani (who is really more a power forward than a center).? But since scoring wasn’t a priority at center for the Raptors, shooting guard seems to be the more pressing need here.

Toronto Raptors select: Nicolas Batum, SG/SF, France

Tomorrow: Washington Wizards?

Jun

7

With Collins Out Of Bulls’ Picture, Who’s Next?

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???????????????????????????????????? Chicago Bulls general manager John Paxson

I suppose you could call it at least a minor surprise when Doug Collins unexpectedly pulled out of the running for the vacant Chicago Bulls coaching position.? With that out of the way, it truly is anyone’s guess who will become the Bulls’ next coach.? But make no mistake - Bulls general manager John Paxson had a Plan B should a situation such as this arise.? Here?is the current crop of candidates vying for the Bulls’ coaching job:

  • Phoenix Suns assistant coach Vinny Del Negro
  • Dwayne Casey
  • Sacramento Kings assistant coach Chuck Person
  • Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis
  • Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw
  • Utah Jazz assistant Tyrone Corbin
  • Utah Jazz assistant coach Jeff Hornacek
  • Mark Jackson

Del Negro also interviewed with the Suns about their coaching job, but GM Steve Kerr told him that they prefer a coach with NBA coaching experience.? Casey, like Collins, is the only coach of the bunch who has coaching experience; Casey is expected to join newly hired coach Rick Carlisle in Dallas should he not be hired by the Bulls.? Team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf seems not to be in a hurry to have a coach in place; personally, I think it is in the best interest of the Bulls to get a coach in place before the draft in late June.

Jun

7

Collins Says Friendship More Important Drops Out Of Running For Bulls Job

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The “Chicago Sun-Times” reported Saturday that the reason Doug Collins has dropped out of trying to become the Chicago Bulls next head coach is team owner Jerry Reinsdorf. It is not that Collins doesn’t like the Bulls owner, quite the opposite in fact. Collins sensed last week according to the report that Reinsdorf had misgivings about Collins coming back as Bulls coach when the two spoke on the phone. Collins said that he could feel that Reinsdorf was concerned that their friendship would interfere with the way the organization would be run. According to the report Reinsdorf told Collins that he would not be able to fire him, even if the situation called for it. Collins Friday called the Bulls owner and said for the sake of their friendship he was pulling his name oout of contention. Last week reports emanating from Chicago said that Collins was a lock for the job. He will return to TNT as a game analyst. Chicago apparently has interest in Phoenix Suns assistant G.M. Vinny Del Negro, Sacramento Kings assistant coach Chuck Person, and former Minnesota coach Dwane Casey for the bench boss spot.

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Jun

7

ESPN: Report: Doug Collins Will Not Become Bulls Head Coach

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Jun

7

ESPN: Doc Rivers Talks With Jack Ramsay After Game 1

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Jun

7

ESPN: Phil Jackson Talks With Jack Ramsay After Game 1

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