Lottery teams close in on coaching choices

The Suns and Bucks appear to be closing on hiring coaches, the first of seven vacancies to be filled. Neither team is expected to hire a Nets candidate but its an indication the hiring pace is quickening.

The Suns are expected to hire Hornacek, 50, on Tuesday. Hornacek, a 14-year former NBA veteran, has been on the Utah coaching staff as an assistant since 2007.

Adrian Wojnarowski who reported the Hornacek offer also says the Bucks are bringing back three candidates to interview a second time for the franchise's head coaching job, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Hawks coach Larry Drew, Rockets assistant Kelvin Sampson and Laker assistant Steve Clifford will meet with Bucks officials this week in Milwaukee, sources told Woj.

Last week, Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal-Times speculated that the Bucks might wait for Lionel Hollins to finish coaching Milwaukee before choosing a coach. Hollins fate seems sealed. Memphis is down, 3-0 , to the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.

Meanwhile, Stefan Bondy spoke with ESPN's Bill Daughtry about the Nets' coaching search.

- Bondy said he believes that Brian Shaw is the favorite for head coach. He added he thinks that’s why Nets have been quiet so far. Ultimately, Bondy thinks Hollins go back to Memphis. He Didn’t mention any other possible names.

- He believes Andray Blatche wants to start next year and that along with his minutes may be the deciding factor on whether or not he returns

- Bondy also mentiononed how Nets management was disappointed that MarShon Brooks hasn't developed more and didn’t see more time.