Rod Thorn is "hopeful" he'll recognize the right head coaching candidate.  Avery Johnson is "optimistic" it'll be him.

"Hopefully, we’ll recognize when the right guy comes through," Thorn said Thursday of the coaching search now well underway. "The process is getting going and we’ll see what happens." 

Thorn wouldn't comment about widespread rumors he'll be talking with Johnson this weekend, but Julian Garcia reports the meeting will take place Saturday and quotes Johnson's agent as saying Johnson is "optimistic" about his chances. Johnson's hoping to have the position locked up soon, Garcia reports.

Thorn has declined to identify the "four to six" candidates he's planning on talking with before June 4 or the possible "surprise" candidate. One thing he did concede: rather than have the coach in place by the draft, it's possible the team will wait til free agency in July. 

Meanwhile, Kiki Vandeweghe remains at work and intends to stay there until his contract runs out June 30. He's rumored to be a candidate to become Donnie Walsh's No. 2 with the Knicks.

• Nets GM Thorn to start coaching search - Tom Canavan - AP
• Ex-Mavs coach tops Nets' interview list - Fred Kerber - New York Post
• Avery hopes to be caught up in Nets - Julian Garcia - New York Daily News
  
• Kiki's stay with Nets a bit longer - Julian Garcia - The InterNets
• Nets begin interview process with Avery Johnson - Kurt Helin - NBC Sports
  
• Thibodeau hires agent; series complicates search - Ken Berger - CBS Sports