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Mike D’Antoni, Steve Nash’s offensive coordinator, is interviewing for the open Trail Blazer head coaching job Monday, reports Adrian Wojnarowski.
Per Woj...
Brooklyn Nets assistant Mike D’Antoni is interviewing for the Portland Trail Blazers coaching job today, sources tell ESPN. Two more assistant coaches — the Clippers’ Chauncey Billups and the Spurs’ Becky Hammon — are set to interview with Portland early this week, too.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 14, 2021
Woj did not say where the interview will take place or whether it would be in person or via Zoom. The Nets returned to Brooklyn Sunday night following the loss to the Bucks ... and the injury to Kyrie Irving. During Monday’s meeting with the media, Nash said the meeting was indeed remote.
“No, Mike’s here with us,” Nash said. “I’m assuming that [interview] would be on Zoom or over the phone, and he hasn’t missed a beat. He’s been here doing everything with us.”
Nash added with a smile, “I don’t like to fine my coaches, but if Mike steps out of line and I’ve got to levy a big fine, I will definitely do so.”
While it may seem odd for a contender’s assistant coach to be interviewed for a new job in the midst of what’s become a contentious playoff series, the Blazers appear intent on getting a new head coach in place soon. Moreover, Sean Marks has a policy of permitting his coaching and basketball operations staff to interview for better jobs. Two years ago, Marks assistant general manager, Trajan Langdon, left for the Pelicans where he was named general manager under David Griffin, executive vice president of basketball operations.
D’Antoni is expected to get offers from a number of teams with open coaching jobs. The two-time NBA Coach of the Year has a career 672-527 record in 16 seasons with the Rockets, Lakers, Knicks, Suns and Nuggets. He has been a mentor to Nash, in his first season, as head coach.
The Nets believe that not only will D’Antoni get feelers from other teams but Ime Udoka and Jacque Vaughn will as well. All three were head coaching candidates last year when the Pacers job was open. It’s open again.
- Sources: Mike D’Antoni to interview for Portland Trail Blazers head coaching job Monday - Adrian Wojnarowski - ESPN
- Nets assistant coach Mike D’Antoni to interview for Trail Blazers head coaching job - Greg Logan - Newsday